A U.S. veteran’s attempt to hijack a Belizean passenger plane was thwarted by the heroic actions of a wounded pilot and an armed passenger, preventing what could have been a major aviation disaster.
Key Takeaways
- Akinyela Taylor, a U.S. veteran, attempted to hijack a 14-passenger Tropic Air flight in Belize, demanding to be flown to Texas.
- The pilot, Howell Grange, despite being stabbed, maintained control of the aircraft for nearly two hours before safely landing.
- Businessman Fitzgerald Brown, also stabbed during the attack, neutralized the hijacker with his legally carried firearm.
- The incident has raised serious concerns about security measures at smaller Belizean airports, which lack baggage checks and X-ray machines.
- The Belizean government has launched a formal investigation while defending its airspace security protocols.
Harrowing Mid-Air Attack
The terrifying ordeal began on a routine Tropic Air flight from Corozal Municipal Airport to Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination in Belize. Akinyela Taylor, identified as a U.S. military veteran, pulled out a five-inch dagger mid-flight and demanded the pilot redirect the Cessna Grand Caravan to the United States. The situation quickly escalated when Taylor began assaulting passengers and crew, creating a life-threatening situation aboard the small aircraft carrying 14 passengers and two crew members.
As the attack unfolded, Taylor stabbed both businessman Fitzgerald Brown and pilot Howell Grange. Despite suffering knife wounds, Grange maintained remarkable composure, keeping the aircraft airborne while Taylor continued his assault. The pilot’s extraordinary focus under extreme duress allowed him to circle for nearly two hours as the situation in the cabin reached a critical point.
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
Passenger’s Decisive Action
With the aircraft in peril and multiple lives at stake, Brown made a decision that would ultimately save the flight. Despite being seriously wounded himself, the businessman, who was legally armed, waited until the aircraft was preparing to land before using his firearm to neutralize the threat. This calculated timing demonstrated remarkable restraint and concern for overall safety during the chaotic situation.
Taylor was found bleeding on the tarmac after the plane successfully landed in Ladyville, Belize City. Emergency responders transported him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Meanwhile, both Grange and Brown received immediate medical attention for their injuries, with reports indicating they are expected to recover despite the severity of their wounds.
Pilot’s Extraordinary Courage
The airline’s leadership has publicly recognized the exceptional bravery displayed by pilot Howell Grange throughout the ordeal. Despite suffering knife wounds and facing an active threat in the cockpit, Grange maintained control of the aircraft and successfully executed an emergency landing when fuel levels became critically low.
The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of security measures at smaller Belizean airports. Unlike major international facilities, local airports such as Corozal Municipal lack basic security infrastructure like baggage checks and X-ray machines. While the Belizean government has described the hijacking as “unexpected and deeply troubling,” officials maintain that their airspace security protocols meet appropriate standards for regional aviation.
Investigation Underway
U.S. officials have expressed relief that the incident did not result in multiple casualties while confirming that a formal investigation into Taylor’s background and motives is underway. While identified as a U.S. veteran, specific details about Taylor’s military service remain unconfirmed by American authorities. The investigation will examine how he was able to board the aircraft with a weapon and what prompted his attempt to return to the United States through such extreme measures.
For the passengers who experienced this harrowing mid-air crisis, the combined actions of pilot Grange and passenger Brown represent an extraordinary example of courage and quick thinking that prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy. Their actions under extreme pressure have been widely praised by aviation experts and government officials from both Belize and the United States.
Sources:
American man hijacks plane headed to popular Belize tourist town
