A terrifying incident unfolded on Thursday morning, April 17, 2025, as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a 49-year-old U.S. citizen, hijacked a Tropic Air flight in Belize. The aircraft, which had taken off from Corozal and was headed to the popular tourist destination of San Pedro, was carrying 14 passengers and two crew members. Shortly after takeoff, Taylor brandished a knife, demanding that the pilot refuel the plane and fly out of the country.
As the flight ascended, panic ensued. Taylor stabbed three individuals, including the pilot, Howell Grange, and two passengers, Fitzgerald Brown and Jair Castañeda, before a legally armed passenger intervened. This passenger, amidst the chaos, shot Taylor in the chest, ultimately preventing what could have been a catastrophic event.
The plane, which was flying erratically and running low on fuel, managed to land safely at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport near Belize City after nearly two hours of circling in the air. Authorities declared a full emergency around 8:30 a.m. local time, and a police helicopter escorted the aircraft to the runway.
Upon landing, Taylor was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The injured passengers were also taken for medical treatment, with one suffering a punctured lung. Fortunately, reports indicate that all injured parties are expected to recover.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with some passengers sending text messages to authorities during the flight to keep them updated on the situation. The prompt actions of the armed passenger have been praised by officials, who highlighted the heroism displayed in such a dire circumstance. Maximillian Greif, CEO of Tropic Air, commended the pilot’s calmness and skill during the crisis, calling his actions “nothing short of heroic.”
In the aftermath of the hijacking, investigators have turned their attention to Taylor’s background to understand his motives. Reports indicate that he was a U.S. military veteran and a former teacher at McCluer North High School in Missouri. Just days before the incident, Taylor had been denied entry into Belize, raising questions about how he managed to re-enter the country and board the flight with a weapon.
Belize’s Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, stated that the event would be thoroughly examined in upcoming national security discussions, emphasizing the need for a review of security procedures at smaller airstrips, where passenger screening is less rigorous. The U.S. Embassy in Belize is collaborating with local authorities to investigate Taylor’s background and the circumstances surrounding the hijacking.
As Belize processes the shock of this event, officials are offering support to the injured and their families. The aviation community in Belize has been shaken by this incident, underscoring the unpredictability of in-flight emergencies and the necessity for heightened awareness and preparedness.
The U.S. State Department has also been monitoring the situation closely, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce expressing gratitude that the incident did not result in a mass casualty event. She remarked, “We are grateful — I think all of us are — that that did not turn into a mass casualty event with, I believe, over a dozen people on the plane.”
Authorities continue to investigate the details surrounding Taylor’s actions and the events that led to the hijacking. The incident has raised serious concerns about airport security in Belize, particularly at smaller airstrips, where the lack of stringent passenger screening measures may have contributed to this alarming situation. As the investigation unfolds, officials are expected to implement changes aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
This shocking episode has not only impacted those directly involved but has also sent ripples of concern throughout the Belizean community and beyond. Travelers and aviation experts alike are now questioning the safety protocols in place and what can be done to ensure that such an event does not happen again.
In light of this incident, it is clear that the aviation industry must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing security vulnerabilities. The actions of the armed passenger may have saved lives, but they also highlight the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of preparedness in the face of potential threats.
As the investigation continues, the community in Belize and the broader international aviation community will be watching closely to see how authorities respond to this alarming incident and what measures will be taken to enhance security in the future.
In the aftermath of the hijacking, the focus remains on healing and recovery for those affected, while also ensuring that lessons are learned to bolster safety measures in aviation.
