skyjack
Seize a plane
To skyjack is to hijack an aircraft—taking control by force or threat, typically to divert it to an unscheduled destination or to hold passengers hostage.
The term gained currency during the wave of airplane hijackings in the 1960s and 70s: The plane was skyjacked and flown to Cuba.
A skyjacker is one who commits such an act.
Seize for official purposes
- seizeTake suddenly, forcibly
- pirateMaritime thief or bootlegger
- abductTake someone unlawfully
- hostageCaptive held as security
ransom · extort · coerce · threaten · overpower · divert · takeover · demand
Powered flying machine
- aircraftAirborne transportation vehicle
- jetForced fluid stream
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- pilotOne who steers aircraft
cockpit · cabin · altitude · airspace · runway · takeoff · landing · fuselage
Radio emergency signal
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- rescueSave from harm
- emergency landingUnscheduled descent due to crisis
crisis · alarm · negotiation · SWAT · intervention · standoff · tarmac · authorities
commandeer
Seize for official purposes
hostage · ransom · extort · coerce · threaten · overpower · divert · takeover · demand · negotiate
airplane
Powered flying machine
pilot · cockpit · cabin · altitude · airspace · runway · takeoff · landing · fuselage · airliner
mayday
Radio emergency signal
- distressSevere anxiety or suffering
- evacuationRemoval from danger
- rescueSave from harm
emergency landing · crisis · alarm · negotiation · SWAT · intervention · standoff · tarmac · authorities · FBI