A life-threatening hijacking attempt aboard a Belize passenger flight was thwarted by the remarkable courage of a wounded pilot and a quick-thinking armed businessman who neutralized the attacker during a harrowing mid-air struggle.
Quick Takes
- US veteran Akinyela Taylor attempted to hijack a 14-seater Cessna in Belize, demanding to be flown to Texas.
- Taylor stabbed both pilot Howell Grange and businessman Fitzgerald Brown with a five-inch dagger.
- Despite being severely injured, pilot Grange maintained control of the aircraft for nearly two hours.
- Brown, who was licensed to carry a firearm, shot and neutralized Taylor just before an emergency landing.
- The incident has raised concerns about security at small airports in Belize, where there are no baggage checks.
Mid-Air Terror Over Belize
What began as a routine flight from Corozal Municipal Airport to the tourist destination of Ambergris Caye in Belize quickly descended into chaos when passenger Akinyela Taylor, a 49-year-old US veteran, revealed his true intentions. Aboard the 14-seater Cessna Grand Caravan operated by Tropic Air, Taylor produced a five-inch dagger and demanded the pilot divert the aircraft to Texas. The sudden hijacking attempt sent shockwaves through the cabin as passengers realized the grave danger they were facing. Security concerns immediately came to light, as the small Corozal airport has no baggage checks or X-ray machines that might have detected the weapon.
The situation escalated rapidly when Taylor attacked both pilot Howell Grange and businessman Fitzgerald Brown with his dagger. Despite suffering serious stab wounds, Grange displayed extraordinary composure and skill, maintaining control of the aircraft while bleeding profusely. U.S. Embassy spokesperson Luke Martin later acknowledged the mystery behind the hijacker’s motives, stating, “We don’t know why he wanted to go back to the United States.” The violent confrontation created a life-or-death scenario for everyone on board the aircraft, which was carrying 14 passengers and two crew members on what should have been a short domestic flight.
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
Heroic Actions Under Extreme Pressure
For nearly two hours, the wounded pilot Grange kept the aircraft circling above Belize as the terrifying drama unfolded in the cockpit. Despite his injuries, he maintained remarkable control of the Cessna while Taylor continued to demand passage to Texas. As fuel levels became critical, Grange knew he needed to land soon. Meanwhile, Brown, though severely injured himself, was calculating his next move. A witness named Doug later described the harrowing scene to reporters, explaining how Brown waited for precisely the right moment to act.
As the aircraft began its final approach to land in Ladyville near Belize City, Brown, who was licensed to carry a firearm, made his move. He drew his handgun and shot Taylor, neutralizing the threat just as the plane was about to touch down. This split-second decision, made while Brown himself was severely wounded, likely saved the lives of everyone on board. The timing was crucial – had Brown acted earlier while the plane was at altitude, the results could have been catastrophic. Instead, his patience and courage allowed Grange to complete the emergency landing.
Aftermath and Investigation
When the plane finally touched down in Belize City, emergency responders found Taylor bleeding on the tarmac. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. Both Grange and Brown, despite their serious injuries, were expected to recover following medical treatment. Maximillian Greif, CEO of Tropic Air, publicly praised the pilot’s extraordinary actions during the crisis, saying, “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 Belizean government described the hijacking attempt as “unexpected and deeply troubling” but defended its airspace security protocols. A formal investigation into the incident is now underway, with particular focus on how Taylor was able to board the aircraft with a weapon. U.S. officials, including State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce who called the incident “horrifying,” expressed relief that the situation did not result in mass casualties. The dramatic resolution of this hijacking attempt demonstrates how the quick thinking and bravery of ordinary citizens can make the difference between tragedy and survival.
Sources:
American man hijacks plane headed to popular Belize tourist town
