Pilot, Passengers Tackle Would-Be Teen Hijacker

News Discussion
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A pilot and three passengers tackled a shotgun-toting 17-year-old boy before he could attempt to hijack an airliner getting ready to depart Avalon Airport in Victoria, Australia on Thursday. One of the passengers, Barry Clark, said he intervened when the unidentified teen pulled out the loaded weapon after he was confronted by a flight attendant on the Jetstar flight. “Before we knew it, a shotgun appeared,” Clark told ABC Radio Melbourne. “I was worried about it being shot, so all I could do was push her out of the way, get the gun out of the way, break that gun and throw it down the stairs, and then put him in a hold, throw him to the ground until the police came.” Two other passengers and one of the pilots helped out according to reports. There were about 150 passengers ready to head to Sydney when the drama unfolded.

This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/pilot-passengers-tackle-would-be-teen-hijacker
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A 17 year old may be a child in the eyes of law makers but hardly a boy. The Aussies have a strong movement for “adult crime, adult time” to stop gangs using minors as worker bees. Good test case here.

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Barry Clark’s actions seemed to have been instantaneous, courageous, brave, bold and effective. One never knows how one will act until the moment comes. I’m guessing that Clark has had some military or police training and experience. Too many others just stand by, then take out their cell phones to take a photo for their Facebook account. They’re the same ones who grab for their suitcases during the emergency evacuation of an aircraft that has just crash-landed.

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Well said. He put himself in harm’s way with no worry for his own safety. BZ

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