On April 17, 2025, a domestic flight in Belize turned into a harrowing ordeal when a U.S. citizen, identified as 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor, attempted to hijack a Tropic Air flight at knifepoint. The incident resulted in Taylor's death and injuries to three individuals on board.
Incident Overview
The flight, operated by Tropic Air, was en route from Corozal to San Pedro, carrying 14 passengers and two crew members. Shortly after takeoff, Taylor brandished a knife and demanded that the pilot divert the aircraft out of Belize. In the ensuing chaos, he stabbed two passengers and the pilot. One of the injured passengers, who was legally carrying a firearm, managed to shoot Taylor as the plane was preparing to land, effectively ending the hijacking attempt.
Emergency Response and Landing
The pilot, despite being injured, maintained control of the aircraft, which circled the area for nearly two hours before landing safely at Philip Goldson International Airport near Belize City. Emergency services were on standby, and the injured were promptly transported to a local hospital. All passengers and crew survived the incident.
Background of the Hijacker
Taylor was a U.S. military veteran and a former high school football coach. Belizean authorities revealed that he had been denied entry into the country days before the incident, and investigations are ongoing to determine how he re-entered Belize and managed to board the flight with a weapon.
Official Statements
Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams commended the actions of the armed passenger, stating that his intervention likely prevented a greater tragedy. Tropic Air CEO Maximillian Greif praised the pilot's bravery and composure during the crisis, emphasizing the airline's commitment to passenger safety.
Ongoing Investigation
The U.S. Embassy in Belize is collaborating with local authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly. Questions remain regarding the security protocols at smaller airports in Belize and how Taylor circumvented them.
