A routine flight to a Caribbean paradise turned into a life-or-death struggle when a U.S. veteran hijacked a small passenger plane, only to be thwarted by the extraordinary courage of a wounded pilot and an armed businessman.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. veteran Akinyela Taylor attempted to hijack a 14-passenger Tropic Air flight in Belize, demanding to be flown to Texas.
- Despite being repeatedly stabbed, pilot Howell Grange maintained control of the aircraft for nearly two hours before executing an emergency landing.
- Businessman Fitzgerald Brown, also wounded in the attack, used his legally owned firearm to neutralize the hijacker when the plane was approaching landing.
- The incident has raised serious questions about security at smaller Belizean airports where no baggage checks or X-ray machines are present.
- The pilot’s actions were described as “extraordinary courage and calm” by the airline’s CEO.
Terror at 10,000 Feet
What should have been a routine 14-minute island-hopper flight from Corozal Municipal Airport to the tourist destination of Ambergris Caye in Belize turned catastrophic when 49-year-old Akinyela Taylor, identified as a U.S. military veteran, brandished a five-inch dagger and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. The small Cessna Grand Caravan, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members, became the scene of a violent confrontation as Taylor demanded the plane be rerouted to Texas, thousands of miles away. The attack stunned passengers aboard the Tropic Air flight, a carrier frequently used by tourists visiting Belize’s popular coastal destinations.
In the chaos that erupted, Taylor stabbed both pilot Howell Grange and businessman Fitzgerald Brown. Despite suffering serious wounds, Grange demonstrated remarkable skill and composure, maintaining control of the aircraft while fighting off his attacker. The plane circled for nearly two hours as the wounded pilot worked to safely bring the aircraft down while dealing with fuel concerns. Meanwhile, passengers witnessed the horrifying scene unfold in the confined space of the small aircraft, unsure if they would survive the ordeal.
US man hijacks plane in Belize, goes on stabbing spree and gets shot by brave passenger mid-air. Despite critical injuries, the passenger managed to take down the attacker.
(Picture/Video courtesy : X)#UnitedState #USA #Hijacking pic.twitter.com/GhybnoNoLu— Deccan Chronicle (@DeccanChronicle) April 18, 2025
Heroism Under Extreme Duress
As the hijacking situation deteriorated, Brown, who was licensed to carry a firearm and severely wounded from Taylor’s attack, made a critical decision. According to witnesses, he waited until the plane was approaching landing before using his handgun to neutralize the threat. The timing was crucial, as premature action could have endangered everyone aboard if the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The wounded businessman’s restraint and decisive action likely saved the lives of all aboard the flight.
Maximillian Greif, CEO of Tropic Air, praised the pilot’s extraordinary performance under pressure, noting, “In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm, guiding the aircraft to a safe landing. His actions were nothing short of heroic.” The pilot’s ability to land the aircraft while seriously wounded stands as a testament to his training and resolve. Grange’s actions have been widely praised by aviation experts who note the extreme difficulty of piloting while wounded and under attack.
Investigation and Aftermath
When the plane finally touched down in Ladyville near Belize City, emergency responders found Taylor bleeding on the tarmac. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Pilot Grange and businessman Brown, both critically injured, were rushed for medical treatment and are expected to recover. The Belizean government has described the hijacking as “unexpected and deeply troubling” while defending its airspace security protocols. U.S. officials expressed relief that the incident didn’t result in mass casualties.
Questions remain about how Taylor managed to board the aircraft with a weapon. According to one witness report, “There are no baggage checks or X-ray machines in Corozal,” highlighting potential security vulnerabilities at smaller Belizean airports. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident, including reviewing security protocols at regional airfields. Taylor’s motives remain unclear, with U.S. Embassy spokesperson Luke Martin stating, “We don’t know why he wanted to go back to the United States.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential security risks at smaller aviation facilities around the world.
Sources:
American man hijacks plane headed to popular Belize tourist town
