Incident Overview
Date: Friday 20 July 1979
Aircraft Type: Boeing 727
Owner/operator: United Airlines
Location: Omaha-Eppley Airfield, NE (OMA) –
ÿ United States of America
Phase of Flight: En route
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 126
Component Affected: Cockpit door and the aircraft’s internal systems.Cockpit door and the aircraft’s internal systems.
Category: Unlawful Interference
On a flight to Omaha, a hijacker entered the cockpit, claiming to possess plastic explosives in a jacket pocket and intended to travel to Cuba. After landing, the crew was allowed to exit and return to water and restroom facilities. The hijacker removed his hands from pockets, prompting FBI agents to enter the cockpit. Agents overpowered the hijacker, and a search revealed no explosives.On a flight to Omaha, a hijacker entered the cockpit, claiming to possess plastic explosives in a jacket pocket and intended to travel to Cuba. After landing, the crew was allowed to exit and return to water and restroom facilities. The hijacker removed his hands from pockets, prompting FBI agents to enter the cockpit. Agents overpowered the hijacker, and a search revealed no explosives.
Description
The hijacker knocked on the cockpit door. When it was opened he stepped in stating he had plastic explosives in a jacket pocket and wanted to go to Cuba. After landing at Omaha the passengers and flight attendants were allowed to deplane. Due to the heat, the hijacker allowed the cockpit door to remain open and allowed the crew to exit and return to get water and to use the restroom. When the hijacker removed both hands from his jacket pockets the second officer signalled FBI agents who were waiting in the jetway. The FBI agents then entered the cockpit and over powered the hijacker. Search of the hijacker revealed no explosives.
Primary Cause
Hijacking attempt with the intent to carry explosives.Hijacking attempt with the intent to carry explosives.Share on:
