Passenger kills US Hijacker in mid-air showdown on Belize Plane

A domestic flight in Belize turned into a scene of chaos when U.S man hijacked  Tropic Air plane on Thursday April 17, 2025, stabbing three people onboard.

According to reports, the suspect, Akinyela Taylor, attacked the pilot and two passengers during the flight from Corozal to San Pedro.

One of the injured passengers, Fitzgerald Brown, shot and killed Taylor before the plane landed safely.

The flight had 14 passengers and two crew members onboard when the hijacker launched the attack.

Police said Taylor demanded the pilot divert the plane, possibly to Mexico or the United States.

The aircraft circled for nearly two hours as Taylor threatened passengers and crew.

The pilot, Howell Grange, sustained knife injuries but managed to land the plane in Ladyville.

A police helicopter trailed the aircraft until it landed safely at the airport.

Passenger Jair Castañeda also sustained injuries during the incident.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed Brown carried a licensed firearm.

Brown shot Taylor after suffering a stab wound that punctured his lungs.

Williams described Brown as a hero and said he remains in critical condition.

Police retrieved the gun and praised Brown’s bravery under extreme pressure.

Tropic Air’s CEO, Maximillian Greif, hailed the pilot’s calm response during the crisis.

Greif described the pilot’s actions as brave and lifesaving.

Belizean authorities declared a full emergency once the hijacking began.

Officials transported the injured victims to a nearby hospital for treatment.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called the incident horrifying.

She said U.S. officials are working with Belizean authorities to investigate the hijacker’s motive.

U.S. Embassy spokesperson Luke Martin said Taylor demanded to be flown to the U.S.

He added that officials don’t know why Taylor wanted to return to America.

Police believe Taylor may have been a U.S. military veteran.

U.S. authorities have not confirmed his military background.

Tropic Air launched an internal investigation and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement.

The airline offered trauma support to passengers affected by the hijacking.

Aviation authorities continue to interview witnesses and review flight recordings.

Officials have assured the public of increased security measures on local flights.

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