Incident Overview
Date: Monday 1 March 1982
Aircraft Type: Boeing 727
Owner/operator: United Airlines
Location: Miami International Airport, FL (MIA) –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: En route
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 97
Component Affected: Aircraft Flight Controls and Passenger CompartmentAircraft Flight Controls and Passenger Compartment
Category: Unlawful Interference
At approximately 30 minutes before Miami arrival, a passenger reported a desire to travel to Cuba, expressing grief over his mother?s recent death and a threat of starting a fire. He possessed a small bottle and cigarette lighter and demanded a meeting with the pilot. The pilot, upon learning they hadn’t landed in Cuba, became agitated, distracting the hijacker. A passenger attacked the hijacker, and the crew responded by apprehending him. Charges were dismissed due to mental incompetence.At approximately 30 minutes before Miami arrival, a passenger reported a desire to travel to Cuba, expressing grief over his mother?s recent death and a threat of starting a fire. He possessed a small bottle and cigarette lighter and demanded a meeting with the pilot. The pilot, upon learning they hadn’t landed in Cuba, became agitated, distracting the hijacker. A passenger attacked the hijacker, and the crew responded by apprehending him. Charges were dismissed due to mental incompetence.
Description
About 30 minutes prior to arrival at Miami, FL, a passenger told a flight attendant he wanted to go to Cuba, that his mother had died in Cuba recently, and that he had a bomb. He held a small bottle containing liquid and a cigarette lighter. He threatened to start a fire if his demand was not met. The pilot announced that they would fly to Cuba but actually landed in Miami. When the hijacker learned that they had not landed in Cuba, he became very agitated. When the pilot distracted the hijacker, a passenger attacked him, and with the assistance of the pilot and other passengers, overpowered him. The police then boarded and took the hijacker into custody. Charges were dismissed due to mental incompetence.
Primary Cause
Passenger’s emotional distress and potential for impulsive behavior, combined with a threat of violence.Passenger’s emotional distress and potential for impulsive behavior, combined with a threat of violence.Share on:
