Authorities and local media are reporting that a knife-wielding man attempted to hijack a Tropicair flight from Corozal to Belize City on 17 April. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX began squawking 7700 shortly after takeoff from Corozal, indicating an emergency onboard. The aircraft landed safely in Belize City and was met by a large emergency response. Authorities report that the hijacker demanded to be flown out of the country.
Tropicair flight details
The flight departed Corozal at 8:17 am local time (14:17 UTC). At 14:23 UTC at an altitude of 1,025 feet, the flight began squawking 7700, the internationally recognized code for general emergency. The flight continued toward Belize City and then vectored off the Belize coast for little more than an hour. The aircraft landed safely at 16:11 UTC (10:11 am local time).
Video from the airport shows a large emergency response meeting the aircraft on the runway. There were a total of 14 passengers onboard the flight. Authorities say three passengers suffered knife wounds and the hijacker was shot by a passenger who was carrying a licensed firearm.
Aircraft information
The flight was operated by a Tropicair Cessna Grand Caravan EX registered V3-HIG.
