A small plane hijacking incident unfolded in Belize, involving a U.S. citizen, on April 17. The individual, identified as 49-year-old Akinyela Sawa Taylor, allegedly seized control of a Tropic Air Belize aircraft at knifepoint. The plane was carrying 14 passengers and was scheduled to travel from Corozal to San Pedro. Authorities reported that Taylor’s motive was to acquire more fuel in a bid to leave Belize.
The plane was airborne for several hours, eventually landing safely at Ladyville airport. During the flight, Taylor reportedly stabbed two passengers, Fitzgerald Brown and Jair Castañeda, as well as the pilot, Howell Grange. As the plane approached the airport, one of the passengers, who was armed, shot Taylor. Despite sustaining injuries, the passengers and pilot survived and were transported by air to a hospital for medical treatment. Tragically, Taylor was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Investigations are underway to determine how Taylor entered Belize after being denied entry over the preceding weekend. Authorities have noted his background as a military veteran and former football coach at McCluer North High School in Florissant, Missouri.
Luke Martin, a spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Belize, stated that Taylor was intent on returning to the United States, though the reasons for his urgency remain unclear. The U.S. State Department, represented by Tammy Bruce during a press briefing, described the hijacking as “horrifying” and expressed relief that it did not result in a mass casualty event.
Belize’s Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, confirmed that the situation will be a focal point of discussion at the forthcoming national security council meeting. He praised the pilot for executing an “exceptional job” under such perilous circumstances. Maximillian Greif, CEO of Tropic Air Belize, commended the pilot’s actions as “nothing short of heroic” and highlighted the rigorous training their pilots undergo to handle emergencies effectively.
The company has pledged comprehensive support to those affected by the incident. Meanwhile, attempts to reach the Belize Airport Concession Company, the U.S. State Department, and Tropic Air Belize for additional comments were unsuccessful as of Thursday.