In a shocking mid-air crisis over Belize, a domestic Tropic Air flight was hijacked by a U.S. citizen on Friday, resulting in three individuals being stabbed, including the pilot—before a critically injured passenger fatally shot the attacker. The dramatic incident unfolded on a small aircraft carrying 14 passengers and two crew members, narrowly avoiding what officials say could have been a mass casualty disaster.

Flight From Corozal Turns Into Chaos

The Tropic Air flight had departed early Friday morning from Corozal, a small town situated near Belize’s border with Mexico. The aircraft was enroute to the popular tourist destination of San Pedro when chaos erupted mid-flight. Authorities say the hijacking began around 8:30 a.m. local time, with the attacker suddenly demanding control over the flight path.

A knife-wielding man reportedly attempted to hijack a Tropicair flight in Belize this morning. The flight was met by a large emergency response upon landing in Belize City. We are closely following this story for updates. https://t.co/C2DbdxR0c9 pic.twitter.com/cGjPWgKAZv

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) April 17, 2025

The hijacker, later identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a U.S. citizen, reportedly issued multiple conflicting demands to the flight crew, including requests to divert the plane to Mexico and to land for refueling. During the ordeal, Taylor attacked and stabbed two passengers and the pilot, throwing the flight into disarray.

As the aircraft veered off its intended course, it flew erratically for nearly two hours before authorities were able to regain control of the situation. A police helicopter was dispatched to escort the plane, which ultimately landed safely in Ladyville, a coastal town outside of Belize City.

Heroic Passenger Stops Hijacker Mid-Flight

One of the injured passengers, later identified as Fitzgerald Brown, emerged as the hero of the crisis. Despite being critically wounded with a stab wound to the back and a punctured lung, Brown managed to retrieve a licensed firearm he was carrying. In a life-or-death moment, Brown shot and killed Taylor inside the aircraft, bringing an end to the hijacking.

After the incident, Brown handed over his weapon to Belizean authorities and was immediately rushed to a hospital along with the pilot and the other injured passenger. Police Commissioner Chester Williams praised Brown’s bravery, stating, “We are praying for him. He’s our hero.”

Casualties and Ongoing Investigations

The pilot was identified as Howell Grange, and the second injured passenger as Jair Castañeda. All three were hospitalized following the incident. According to officials, their injuries are serious but not life-threatening, although Brown remains in critical condition.

Officials have not yet released the nationalities of Brown and Castañeda. The motive behind Taylor’s violent actions remains unknown. Despite being described by Commissioner Williams as a military veteran, U.S. officials have said they cannot confirm Taylor’s veteran status at this time.

Luke Martin, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Belize, confirmed that Taylor had at one point demanded to be flown back to the United States but did not provide further details about his motivations.

Reactions From Authorities in Belize and the U.S.

Maximillian Greif, CEO of Tropic Air, commended the actions of the flight crew, especially the pilot, who managed to maintain control under extreme pressure.Link “In the face of incomprehensible pressure, our pilot acted with extraordinary courage and calm,” said Greif. “His actions were nothing short of heroic.”

In Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce addressed the incident in a press briefing, calling it “horrifying” and expressing relief that the situation didn’t result in greater loss of life. “We are grateful, I think all of us are, that it did not turn into a mass casualty event,” Bruce stated.

Plane hijacking in Belize ends with hero passenger shooting American hijacker dead as plane runs out of fuel on landing Commissioner of Police says. pic.twitter.com/YjIlwwGcUs

— Belize.com (@Belizean) April 17, 2025

Authorities in both Belize and the United States continue to investigate the hijacking. At this time, no clear motive has been established for Taylor’s actions, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.