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Hijacked the True Story of the Heroes of Flight 705
David Sanders, Jim Tucker, and Andy Peterson had taken off on a regular "out-and-back," delivering and picking up packages for FedEx's next-day service. They had one jumpseat passenger, an off-duty colleague who they assumed was simply taking advantage of the FedEx perk allowing virtually all employees to ride the company jet for free. The shock came twenty minutes later, before the plane had reached its normal cruising altitude.
The lone passenger attacked the pilots with hammers and a spear gun. He'd had his diabolical plan in the works for months: By crashing the plane into the Federal Express Memphis hub, he'd ruin the company, which he felt had treated him unfairly. With superhuman strength fueled by sheer fury, the attacker struck. What he didn't count on was the skill and intelligence of the pilots. While Sanders and Peterson tried to stop the relentless battering, copilot Tucker swung the aircraft into dangerous flight maneuvers in an attempt to literally knock the man off his feet. Covered in their own blood and exhausted from the struggle, the pilots finally managed to subdue their attacker, returning the plane safely back to Memphis as heroes.
From the Paperback edition.
The lone passenger attacked the pilots with hammers and a spear gun. He'd had his diabolical plan in the works for months: By crashing the plane into the Federal Express Memphis hub, he'd ruin the company, which he felt had treated him unfairly. With superhuman strength fueled by sheer fury, the attacker struck. What he didn't count on was the skill and intelligence of the pilots. While Sanders and Peterson tried to stop the relentless battering, copilot Tucker swung the aircraft into dangerous flight maneuvers in an attempt to literally knock the man off his feet. Covered in their own blood and exhausted from the struggle, the pilots finally managed to subdue their attacker, returning the plane safely back to Memphis as heroes.
From the Paperback edition.
Paperback
First published July 2, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 8, 2012
What a page-turner! Hirschman kept me reading; I simply could not put down the book. I give it 4 stars in stead of 5 because I was waiting for FedEx to examine the plane they so hastily stuck inside a hanger since they were completely perplexed about the damage it sustained and did not want any negative press. Covering that investigation would not only have completed an episode begun (by Hirschman) but mysteriously dropped (the book is not even 300 pp - it could easily have been covered) but also underscored the amazing flying maneuvers undertaken to keep the hijacker from continuing more attacks. When this book goes into a second edition, I hope Hirschman includes an updated epilogue; the current one (1997) followed up on the 1994 event. Right now, though, I am headed to Wikipedia to find out myself.
March 16, 2020
Gripping, emotional, and every bit true.
This book, which I purchased on a whim since it was on sale, is far better than I expected. I was oblivious to the events of April 7, 1994, although I am plenty old enough that I should remember. I can't say why. So much happens in the world that I tend to tune much of it out. I am glad for the opportunity to educate myself on these unbelievable but true events.
The story is harrowing and gut wrenching and expertly told. The author deftly handles the details of flight 705 itself, faithfully recounts the gruesome attack, all while weaving in the home lives of each participant. It's really a great read!
This book, which I purchased on a whim since it was on sale, is far better than I expected. I was oblivious to the events of April 7, 1994, although I am plenty old enough that I should remember. I can't say why. So much happens in the world that I tend to tune much of it out. I am glad for the opportunity to educate myself on these unbelievable but true events.
The story is harrowing and gut wrenching and expertly told. The author deftly handles the details of flight 705 itself, faithfully recounts the gruesome attack, all while weaving in the home lives of each participant. It's really a great read!
November 3, 2021
An absolutely gripping account of the attempted hijacking of a FedEx DC-10 by a disgruntled employee, and how the three man crew fought back heroically. I couldn't put it down, and stayed up way too late reading it. Recommended.
April 29, 2024
What a story! Hirschman does a great job weaving in the personal stories of each character. This is simply an amazing story written by a talented author.
May 22, 2011
Read this book cover to cover in one sitting. Gripping. Even if you know nothing about the aviation business or flying, this book will have you at the edge of your seat. Rarely do I say this, but they really need to make a movie from this. All the events in this book happened, and if you had asked me if what the pilots did would be possible, I would say no. It is simply amazing they did what they did even without being hijacked. I don't want to give anything away, as I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about actual heroic behavior and edge of your seat action. You will have a new respect for pilots after reading this!
July 12, 2011
The story about two pilots and a flight engineer who were attacked by a madman with a hammer first caught my eye years ago in Reader's Digest. Reading the whole account in Hirschman's simple, vivid style turned out to be quite the thrilling ride. Great for anyone who likes true crime or airplanes or just great nonfiction heroics.
August 20, 2012
Very well written account of the hijacking of a Federal Express plane by a deranged employee. The pilot and his crew battled the deranged passenger in the air repeatedly, and managed to land the damaged plane safely, though they were all gravely injured.
June 5, 2012
This book is absolutely compelling! I was unable to put it down except to wipe away tears so I could continue reading.
October 2, 2022
Flight 705 was a Federal Express DC-10 cargo plane. The plane was carrying electronics and other items from the Memphis, Tennessee hub to San Jose, California. The three person flight crew consisted of Captain David Sanders, First Officer Jim Tucker, and Flight Engineer Andy Peterson. Also on the flight was Flight Engineer Auburn Calloway, who had flown the plane in with his crew and was catching a return flight, as was common for plane crew to do. Calloway had been having issues with his employer previous to this, especially when it was discovered that he had lied about his flight hours logged and his Naval service. Calloway intended to catch a ride on the plane, murder the crew via blunt force trauma to look like they died in a plane crash. He wanted to make everything look like an accident so that his ex wife would receive his life insurance, and had previously transferred all his money to her. Calloway attacked the crew with hammers, dealing out some serious blows and injuries. Despite the injuries, the crew managed to fend off Calloway while performing some wild plane maneuvers that would be difficult under normal circumstances, especially with that size of plane, and land the plane without crashing it.
This event occurred in 1994, so I had not heard of it prior to spotting this book in my local used bookstore. I grabbed it because it was a dollar in the disasters section, which always draws my attention. The book was page turning. I was curious to see what would happen to everyone, and I did enjoy getting to know the crew members back stories. I thought the book was properly researched and written in a way that was factual and action packed.
This event occurred in 1994, so I had not heard of it prior to spotting this book in my local used bookstore. I grabbed it because it was a dollar in the disasters section, which always draws my attention. The book was page turning. I was curious to see what would happen to everyone, and I did enjoy getting to know the crew members back stories. I thought the book was properly researched and written in a way that was factual and action packed.
July 26, 2020
I have watched the episode of Air Disasters many times regarding the heroics of these three pilots. I knew most of the information regarding this flight: who was injured worst, what they endured, and the fact that these three pilots never flew again.
When I saw that there was a novel regarding the flight, I was quick to purchase it and read it. I am very glad I did. The story can only be told so in-depth during a 1-hour television episode. The story brings so much more humanity to the three pilots; their histories, their family lives, and what they went through in order to recover.
Even though I relatively knew the story, I could not put the book down. I was glued to the pages. Also, having the afterward of where the pilots relatively are now brought another heartbreaking piece to the ordeal. One vicious act drastically changed the lives of these three men and their families; and the fact they believed that the hijackers on 9/11 could have learned from their ordeal.
Overall, great novel on such a horrific ordeal. I would definitely recommend this novel.
When I saw that there was a novel regarding the flight, I was quick to purchase it and read it. I am very glad I did. The story can only be told so in-depth during a 1-hour television episode. The story brings so much more humanity to the three pilots; their histories, their family lives, and what they went through in order to recover.
Even though I relatively knew the story, I could not put the book down. I was glued to the pages. Also, having the afterward of where the pilots relatively are now brought another heartbreaking piece to the ordeal. One vicious act drastically changed the lives of these three men and their families; and the fact they believed that the hijackers on 9/11 could have learned from their ordeal.
Overall, great novel on such a horrific ordeal. I would definitely recommend this novel.
February 23, 2022
As a person who holds a pilot's license myself, this is the kind of story that makes me hyperventilate. Giving the inside story of the events aboard FedEx Flight 705 as a coworker sought to enact his revenge on the company he felt had unjustly treated him, I cannot help but imagine the terror the three crew members aboard the flight experienced. Not only were they incapacitated by their horrific injuries, but also by their knowledge of just how difficult it would be to successfully land an aircraft exceeding its flight envelope while in a fight for their very lives. You can call it a miracle, or you can call it the well-honed reflexes of an exceptional crew. Read the book and decide for yourself what words could describe this remarkable feat of heroism. Like me, I'll bet you come up short.
September 12, 2023
When I went through a list of non-fiction titles, this book caught my eye. With non-fiction, I can feel the emotions intensely because of the story actually having taken place. The writer had me at the first page because his narrative was excellent, especially as he began to describe Auburn Calloway. What I was not prepared for was the way the pilots and flight engineer were so brutally attacked and yet they endured to get the plane safely to the ground and were able to recover from such horrific wounds. It also felt good for me to see the judicial system acted accordingly to the crimes of Auburn Calloway. I wish I saw this more often in our judicial system. I highly recommend this book not for the sense of someone looking for sensationalism, but for a story of such grit, teamwork, determination to survive, and for the detailed and incredible skills of airline pilots.
March 25, 2020
Courage
Shocking, thrilling, terrifying, inspiring. Although eclipsed by the magnitude and devastating results of the September 11th attacks, the incident of FedEx flight 705 was potentially equally horrific. The courage and actions of the three main flight crew under impossible conditions is truly amazing, equalled only by the courage and devotion displayed by each man during physical and emotional recovery from life threatening injuries. With dignity and humility the pilots give thanks to God for bringing them through the full ordeal. They acknowledge the support of loved ones, friends and FedEx family in the trying years that followed. One comes away inspired by their refusal to succumb to hate for the perpetrator. Thank you for sharing this incredible account.
Shocking, thrilling, terrifying, inspiring. Although eclipsed by the magnitude and devastating results of the September 11th attacks, the incident of FedEx flight 705 was potentially equally horrific. The courage and actions of the three main flight crew under impossible conditions is truly amazing, equalled only by the courage and devotion displayed by each man during physical and emotional recovery from life threatening injuries. With dignity and humility the pilots give thanks to God for bringing them through the full ordeal. They acknowledge the support of loved ones, friends and FedEx family in the trying years that followed. One comes away inspired by their refusal to succumb to hate for the perpetrator. Thank you for sharing this incredible account.
March 22, 2023
In control
As a private pilot I enjoyed the book. As a person, I was impressed by the pilots' control of their lives following such a tramatic incident. Memories... I once visited FedEx headquarters in 1989 to sell them on Flight Dynamics head-up displays. I was scheduled for a jump seat ride back to Portland Oregon but was bumped by an employee at the last minute. I guess those jump seat days are over. Aviation has unfortunately changed due to bad guys and 9/11. I landed at my home airport on 9/10 after a flight to Sunriver. It has never been quite the same since.
As a private pilot I enjoyed the book. As a person, I was impressed by the pilots' control of their lives following such a tramatic incident. Memories... I once visited FedEx headquarters in 1989 to sell them on Flight Dynamics head-up displays. I was scheduled for a jump seat ride back to Portland Oregon but was bumped by an employee at the last minute. I guess those jump seat days are over. Aviation has unfortunately changed due to bad guys and 9/11. I landed at my home airport on 9/10 after a flight to Sunriver. It has never been quite the same since.
April 4, 2025
I have just reread this book and it is as compelling as it was when I originally read it about 2 years after the actual event. I was a senior manager at FEDEX at the time this happened and all of us were in shock when it took place. The book is well written and very readable and it as comprehensive as was possible at the time it was written. I highly recommend it as it tells the tale of 3 courageous men and the miracle landing of a fully loaded DC10 under amazing circumstances. It is sad that none of these men were ever able to go back to commercial flying because of their injuries.
March 18, 2020
This is a gripping true story of an attempted hijacking of a Fed Ex DC10 and the brave actions of the Pilot, Co-Pilot and Flight Engineer to fight off the hijacker (a Fed Ex employee) and bring the plane back to the airport safely. All 3 crew members survived with great injuries but recovered. Their lives and their families' lives are forever changed.
I won't give away all the details, but this is a definite must read for aviation enthusiasts!
I won't give away all the details, but this is a definite must read for aviation enthusiasts!
March 22, 2020
Hijacked cargo DC10
This is a great account of the hijacking of a cargo jet years before 2001. There is a great analysis of the event and wonderful accounts of the people involved -- the pilots and their families, the hijacker and his family and their co-workers. This book keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.
This is a great account of the hijacking of a cargo jet years before 2001. There is a great analysis of the event and wonderful accounts of the people involved -- the pilots and their families, the hijacker and his family and their co-workers. This book keeps the reader engaged throughout the story.
February 2, 2021
Heros of 705
This was a book you couldn't stop reading. I loved the chronological layout of chapters and the precise detail of events. The ending for all 3 pilots was so heartwarming. I was surprised there was not more detail of the trial itself but that may have taken away from the underlying meaning of the story.
This was a book you couldn't stop reading. I loved the chronological layout of chapters and the precise detail of events. The ending for all 3 pilots was so heartwarming. I was surprised there was not more detail of the trial itself but that may have taken away from the underlying meaning of the story.
May 14, 2019
As a lifelong Memphian, we all knew of this incident but not all the details and what really happened to the Fedex employees involved. It’s a great thing the hijacker wasn’t successful. His plans were total destruction of Fedex.
June 14, 2022
*Hijacked* is a thriller centered on a life and death struggle on a DC-10. During the battle between the crew and the off-his-rocker engineer, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Reading level: easy. Would recommend for reluctant readers. (but not for an airplane travel book!)
Reading level: easy. Would recommend for reluctant readers. (but not for an airplane travel book!)
July 14, 2021
Excellent! True heroes
May 5, 2022
True story and well written. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
June 24, 2025
Inspiring story about hometown FedEx pilots who overcame a crazy person in order to save their plane, their community and their own lives.
March 12, 2020
Great read! Well written, easy to read, and easy to follow and understand (even for someone who doesn’t know airplanes). Best book I’ve read in a while! I couldn’t put it down!
May 26, 2020
What an exciting read. I had seen a depiction of this story on Aircraft Crashes but was still intrigued to read this depiction. This plane survived by the miracle of three pilots who refused to give up after being seriously wounded in a blitz attack. There was no intent to hijack the plane--the intent was to crash it. And the motivation unbelievable.
January 16, 2015
its a really good book.i like it specially because this book tell us the story of calloway and what is his intention to kipnaped this airplane. the real problem with calloway is that he want to make the fligth crash like an accident. what really happens in this story is that calloway would take the control of this airplane just to make a suicide but he would make it look like an accident just because the fedex rule said that if an accidente happen the family would be recompense with 2,5 million dollar. as we read the story we can see what people is capable to do justo for money.
April 21, 2008
While the story itself is exciting, I found this book to be a bit dull.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews