A terrifying mid-air hijacking over Belize
On April 17, 2025, a Tropic Air flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro in Belize was hijacked mid-flight by a 49-year-old U.S. citizen, Akinyela Sawa Taylor. Taylor, a former U.S. military veteran and high school football coach, seized control of the Cessna 208 Grand Caravan EX aircraft at knifepoint, injuring two passengers and the pilot. The flight, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members, was forced to circle over Belizean airspace for nearly two hours before landing safely at Ladyville Airport near Belize City.
A heroic response from a fellow passenger
During the hijacking, Taylor demanded that the plane be refueled and flown out of the country. As the situation escalated, one of the passengers, Fitzgerald Brown, who was armed and licensed to carry a firearm, confronted Taylor. In the ensuing struggle, Brown fatally shot Taylor, effectively ending the hijacking. The plane, low on fuel, landed safely, with police helicopters monitoring the situation from above. All injured individuals were hospitalized and survived the ordeal.
Investigations and international cooperation
Belizean authorities are investigating how Taylor, who had recently been denied entry into Belize, managed to re-enter the country and board the flight with a concealed knife. The U.S. Embassy in Belize is assisting with the investigation. Police Commissioner Chester Williams has noted that the lack of security screenings at smaller airports may have contributed to the incident. The U.S. State Department expressed relief that the situation did not result in a mass casualty event, emphasizing the cooperation between U.S. and Belizean authorities in ensuring the safety of air travel.
Reactions from Tropic Air and the public
Tropic Air CEO Maximillian Greif commended the actions of the pilot, Howell Grange, describing his efforts as “nothing short of heroic.” The airline has pledged support to the injured passengers and is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation. The incident has prompted discussions about enhancing security measures at smaller airports in Belize to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
A close call averted
This harrowing incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of vigilance and preparedness. Thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of the passengers and crew, a potential disaster was averted, and all but one of the individuals involved survived the ordeal.
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