A 14-seater Cessna Grand Caravan flight in Belize became the scene of a terrifying hijacking attempt when a U.S. veteran brandished a dagger, but was neutralized by an armed passenger after the critically wounded pilot managed to land safely.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. veteran Akinyela Taylor attempted to hijack a Tropic Air flight from Corozal to Ambergris Caye, demanding to be flown to Texas.
- Taylor stabbed both the pilot, Howell Grange, and businessman Fitzgerald Brown with a five-inch dagger during the attack.
- Despite being seriously injured, pilot Grange maintained control of the aircraft for nearly two hours before safely landing in Belize City.
- Brown, who was licensed to carry a firearm, shot and neutralized Taylor as the plane was landing.
- The incident has raised serious concerns about security at smaller Belizean airports, which lack baggage checks and screening equipment.
Terror at 10,000 Feet
What began as a routine 14-seater flight from Corozal Municipal Airport to the popular tourist destination of Ambergris Caye quickly descended into chaos when 49-year-old Akinyela Taylor, a U.S. veteran, attempted to commandeer the aircraft. Armed with a five-inch dagger, Taylor demanded the Tropic Air flight be diverted to Texas, sending shockwaves through the cabin filled with 14 passengers and two crew members. In the ensuing struggle, Taylor violently stabbed both the pilot, Howell Grange, and businessman Fitzgerald Brown, creating a life-threatening situation thousands of feet above Belize.
The hijacking attempt highlighted glaring security gaps at Belizean regional airports. According to witnesses, Taylor was able to board the aircraft without being detected because smaller airports like Corozal lack basic security measures. “There are no baggage checks or X-ray machines in Corozal,” noted one individual, raising significant concerns about how such a dangerous weapon made it onboard a commercial flight. This security lapse has prompted calls for immediate reviews of safety protocols at regional transportation hubs throughout Belize.
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
Extraordinary Courage Under Fire
Despite suffering severe stab wounds, pilot Howell Grange demonstrated remarkable composure and skill during the ordeal. As Taylor continued his assault, Grange maintained control of the aircraft for nearly two hours, all while bleeding profusely from his injuries. “The pilot was focused on the landing while the hijacker was stabbing him and fighting for control of the plane,” recounted a passenger. This extraordinary display of professionalism prevented what could have easily become a catastrophic crash.
The aircraft circled for nearly two hours as fuel levels dwindled, adding another layer of tension to the already dire situation. With limited options and the threat of running out of fuel entirely, Grange made the critical decision to attempt an emergency landing at Belize City’s airport. Throughout this time, passengers remained in a state of terror as the violent confrontation between Taylor and his victims continued in the confines of the small aircraft cabin.
Armed Citizen Ends the Threat
As the aircraft began its descent toward Belize City, businessman Fitzgerald Brown – despite suffering from potentially life-threatening stab wounds himself – made the decision to use his legally carried firearm to neutralize the hijacker. “Fitz had been stabbed. He was almost bleeding to death. But he had the patience to wait until the plane was almost on the ground before pulling his weapon,” explained a witness to the confrontation. This tactical decision likely prevented further disaster, as discharging a firearm at cruising altitude could have catastrophically damaged the aircraft.
When the aircraft finally touched down safely in Ladyville, emergency responders found Taylor bleeding on the tarmac. He was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The Belizean government has described the hijacking as “unexpected and deeply troubling” but defended its overall airspace security measures. U.S. officials expressed relief that the incident didn’t result in mass casualties, with a State Department spokesperson characterizing the event as “horrifying.” A formal investigation is currently underway, with both American and Belizean authorities working to determine Taylor’s motives and how security protocols failed.
Sources:
American man hijacks plane headed to popular Belize tourist town
