Heroic Actions Avert Tragedy During Attempted Plane Hijacking in Belize

A terrifying midair incident shook Belize on Thursday when a passenger armed with a knife attempted to hijack a Tropic Air flight, leaving three people seriously injured and ending with the assailant fatally shot.

The drama unfolded aboard a Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EX, registration V3-HIG, en route from Corozal to Belize City with 14 passengers and two crew members on board. Shortly after takeoff, the attacker—identified as 49-year-old U.S. citizen Akinyela Sawa Taylor—threatened the pilot, Belizean Howell Grange, demanding the aircraft be flown out of Belize after refueling. Grange, injured during the assault, was forced to circle the plane in the air while running low on fuel.

As the situation grew increasingly dangerous, passenger Fitzgerald Brown, owner of Jambel Jerk Pit Restaurant, intervened. Despite being injured himself, Brown stayed calm, refraining from firing his licensed firearm while the plane was airborne—a move authorities later praised as heroic, preventing even greater risk to the lives on board.

The pilot managed an emergency landing at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, where security forces were already on alert. Moments after landing, Brown fatally shot the hijacker inside the plane, preventing a potential hostage crisis and saving countless lives.

Brown, pilot Howell Grange, and Jair Castañeda, Tropic Air’s HR Manager who also sustained serious injuries, were all hospitalized following the incident. Brown’s condition has been reported as critical, and all three men remain under medical care.

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the hijacking attempt, including Taylor’s background and motives, which remain unclear.

In a statement, officials emphasized that while the loss of life is regrettable, Brown’s actions likely prevented a prolonged standoff or far greater tragedy. As the investigation continues, many in Belize are hailing Brown’s courage and self-control as nothing short of heroic.