Hero Stops Hijacker on Tropic Air Seaplane in Belize

 

Knife-Wielding American Hijacker Shot Dead in Foiled Tropic Air Seaplane Incident Over Belize"

In a chilling mid-air standoff that could have ended in mass tragedy, a Tropic Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX with 14 passengers and two crew members on board was hijacked by an armed man on Thursday morning, before landing safely at Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize. The assailant, an American national previously banned from entering the country, was shot dead by a heroic passenger during the ordeal.

The hijacking unfolded just minutes after the aircraft—registered V3-HIG and operating as Tropic Air flight 9N—departed from Corozal en route to San Pedro. At approximately 8:17 a.m. local time (14:17 UTC), the pilot initiated a squawk 7700, signalling a general emergency, when the suspect, later identified as Akinyela Sawa Taylor, pulled a knife and began threatening passengers and crew.

Taylor reportedly demanded the aircraft be rerouted, refueled, and flown out of Belize. The aircraft began flying erratically, veering off the coast in holding patterns for nearly two hours, according to flight tracking data. Emergency services were put on high alert as the situation developed.

Around 10:12 a.m. local time (16:12 UTC), the aircraft landed safely at PGIA. On touchdown, video footage captured emergency response units swarming the aircraft as the crew and passengers disembarked under visibly tense circumstances. All occupants were accounted for.

Inside the cabin, chaos had erupted. Taylor had stabbed three individuals, including Jair Castañeda, a Tropic Air employee who attempted to subdue the attacker mid-flight. Castañeda was gravely injured but managed to hold his ground until the aircraft landed. Ignoring instructions not to use his weapon in mid-air, he fired a single shot once the plane touched down—fatally striking the hijacker in the chest.

Castañeda is being hailed as a national hero for his decisive action. He remains in critical condition at a local hospital. The other injured passengers are reported to be stable and receiving medical care.

Authorities are now probing how Taylor, who had been banned from Belize, managed to board the aircraft. His motive remains unclear. Belizean officials are coordinating with U.S. law enforcement to piece together Taylor’s recent movements and background.

The Philip Goldson International Airport resumed normal operations shortly after the aircraft was secured and cleared. In an official statement, PGIA praised the swift and coordinated response of aviation security, police, and emergency medical personnel.