Incident Overview
Date: Thursday 18 August 1983
Aircraft Type: Boeing 727
Owner/operator: Delta Air Lines
Location: Havana-Jos Mart¡ International Airport (HAV) –
ÿ Cuba
Phase of Flight: En route
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 79
Component Affected: AircraftAircraft
Category: Unlawful Interference
A male passenger on a flight from Miami, Florida, immediately after takeoff, verbally requested the aircraft be diverted to Cuba, displaying a kerosene/gasoline-smelling bottle. He then poured the liquid on himself and clothing, lit a candle, and remained seated, continuously burning it. Cuban authorities seized the aircraft and the hijacker, resulting in a diversion to Havana, Cuba.A male passenger on a flight from Miami, Florida, immediately after takeoff, verbally requested the aircraft be diverted to Cuba, displaying a kerosene/gasoline-smelling bottle. He then poured the liquid on himself and clothing, lit a candle, and remained seated, continuously burning it. Cuban authorities seized the aircraft and the hijacker, resulting in a diversion to Havana, Cuba.
Description
A few minutes after takeoff from Miami, FL a male passenger stood up and shouted “Tell them to take this national to Cuba”. He displayed a plastic bottle containing a liquid that smelled like either kerosene or gasoline. Reportedly, he poured the liquid over his own head and doused his clothing and the seat he occupied. He lit a candle and then seated himself. He remained seated during the flight, keeping a candle burning continuously while holding it slightly in front of him or above his head. The captain was advised and diverted the aircraft to Havana, Cuba. At Havana, Cuban authorities boarded the aircraft and took custody of the hijacker and his possessions.
Primary Cause
Passenger verbal request for aircraft diversion to Cuba.Passenger verbal request for aircraft diversion to Cuba.Share on:
