Auburn Calloway's Failed Attempt on Flight 705
April 7th, 1994
April 7th, 1994
How Long Ago?
30 years, 11 months, 8 days ago
Location
Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Auburn Calloway
- Captain John D. Schaffer
- First Officer James W. Ware
- Federal Express Flight Crew
Links & References
Tags
Auburn Calloway's Failed Attempt on Flight 705
Auburn Calloway, a ramp agent for Federal Express, attempted to hijack Federal Express Flight 705 in order to claim his life insurance policy. Armed with a hammer, Calloway assaulted the flight crew soon after takeoff. His plan was to crash the plane to fake his death, enabling his family to receive a substantial insurance payout. The flight crew managed to fight back and subdue him, diverting the aircraft to land safely.
Calloway attacked crew with a hammer.
His goal was financial gain through insurance.
The crew fought back to regain control.
The flight landed safely at the nearest airport.
What Happened?
Auburn Calloway, employed as a ramp agent for Federal Express, devised a sinister plot on a flight tasked with transporting packages. On April 7, 1994, shortly after the plane took off from the Memphis International Airport, he attacked the crew using a hammer. His intentions were driven by financial desperation, as he believed that the only way for his family to benefit from his life insurance policy was through his staged death in a crash. Calloway's actions escalated into a violent struggle, where he physically assaulted the captain and co-pilot while making threats and demands. However, the crew demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork in fighting back against him, ultimately managing to restrain him and regain control of the aircraft. They then diverted the plane to land safely at the nearest airport.
Why Does it Matter?
The incident highlights the profound human element in aviation security and pilot decision-making during crises. It led to increased awareness and preventive measures related to in-flight security, influencing protocols that address potential threats from both inside and outside the aircraft. This occurrence represents a key moment in understanding the lengths to which individuals might go driven by desperation, prompting discussions around support systems for employees in distress.
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