Federal Express Flight 705
Steven Meyer • April 19, 2024
Federal Express Flight 705 is a remarkable story in aviation history, known for its incredible tale of survival and heroism. On April 7, 1994, Federal Express Flight 705, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 cargo jet, was scheduled for a routine flight from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Jose, California. However, what unfolded during this flight was anything but routine.
The flight took a terrifying turn when a disgruntled Federal Express employee, Auburn Calloway, attempted to hijack the aircraft mid-flight. Armed with hammers, a speargun, and a knife, Calloway launched a vicious attack on the flight crew shortly after takeoff. His intention was to crash the plane in order to fake his own death and collect life insurance for his family.
Calloway's assault on the flight crew, consisting of Captain David Sanders, First Officer James Tucker, and Flight Engineer Andrew Peterson, was brutal and relentless. Despite suffering severe injuries, the crew fought back valiantly, displaying incredible courage and determination in the face of grave danger.
Captain Sanders and First Officer Tucker, both former military pilots, demonstrated remarkable skill and composure under pressure as they struggled to control the aircraft while fending off their attacker. Flight Engineer Peterson, despite sustaining serious head injuries, managed to assist his fellow crew members in overpowering Calloway and subduing him.
The crew's heroic efforts saved the lives of all onboard, preventing a catastrophic disaster. Despite sustaining life-threatening injuries, Captain Sanders, First Officer Tucker, and Flight Engineer Peterson managed to safely land the aircraft at the Memphis International Airport.
Following the incident, Calloway was arrested and later convicted of attempted murder and attempted air piracy. The crew members were hailed as heroes for their extraordinary bravery and quick thinking in thwarting the hijacking attempt.
The story of Federal Express Flight 705 serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage exhibited by individuals in the face of adversity. It stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of aviation professionals who risk their lives to ensure the safety of others, even in the most perilous circumstances.
Sources: Commercial Appeal, Clarin, Simple Flying, Tail Strike, Aero Time, The Aviation Geek Club
Images: Planepictures, Commercial Appeal, reddit/aircrashinvestigation
