Incident Overview
Date: Wednesday 15 November 1972
Aircraft Type: Fokker F-27 Friendship 200
Owner/operator: Ansett Airlines of Australia
Registration Number: VH-FNI
Location: Alice Springs Airport, NT (ASP) –
ÿ Australia
Phase of Flight: En route
Status: Unknown
Casualties: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 32
Component Affected: Cessna Six Seater AircraftCessna Six Seater Aircraft
Category: Unlawful Interference
A Cessna six seater, piloted by Aero Club manager Ossie Watts, approached Alice Springs Airport. The hijacker, attempting to convey himself into the desert, demanded a light aircraft. A constable disguised as a navigator assisted in the disarming attempt, but failed. The hijacker was shot, and the police responded, resulting in his death in hospital.A Cessna six seater, piloted by Aero Club manager Ossie Watts, approached Alice Springs Airport. The hijacker, attempting to convey himself into the desert, demanded a light aircraft. A constable disguised as a navigator assisted in the disarming attempt, but failed. The hijacker was shot, and the police responded, resulting in his death in hospital.
Description
As flight 232 approached the Alice Springs Airport, a man emerged from the toilet carrying a firearm. After landing 22 passengers were released and the hijacker demanded a light aircraft to convey him into the desert. A Cessna six seater piloted by Aero Club manager and chief flying instructor Ossie Watts taxied out. He was a accompanied by a plain clothes constable posing as navigator. The Cessna was brought within 30 feet of the F-27. When trying to get to the Cessna, the constable tried to disarm him, but failed. He was shot several times by the hijacker. Then the police opened fire on the hijacker. He was later arrested but died in hospital.
Primary Cause
Hijacking attempt and subsequent shooting.Hijacking attempt and subsequent shooting.Share on:
