Investigation Summary
The incident began at approximately 10:22 PM local time while the Boeing 737-800 was standing on the tarmac preparing for a flight to Santa Clara, Cuba, and eventually back to Halifax. Stephen Fray, described as mentally challenged, bypassed security checkpoints and forced his way onto the plane. During the initial takeover, he reportedly fired a single shot through the open cabin door. A flight attendant successfully negotiated the release of all 174 passengers by convincing Fray to accept their travel cash in exchange for their freedom. While two crew members were released alongside the passengers, Fray continued to hold the remaining six crew members hostage for several hours. The standoff ended at 6:40 AM the following morning when Jamaican special forces executed a tactical entry. Two operatives entered through the cockpit window, with one impersonating a co-pilot to get close enough to overpower and disarm the hijacker.
Final Conclusions
The hijacking was resolved through a combination of crew negotiation and a successful tactical intervention by the Jamaica Defence Force. Stephen Fray was arrested and subsequently charged with multiple offenses including illegal possession of a firearm and breaching the Civil Aviation Act. In 2009, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. An appeal in 2011 focused on his mental health status at the time of the crime, though the original conviction highlighted significant lapses in airport security at Montego Bay. Fray was eventually released from prison in 2017 after serving eight years of his sentence, a development that sparked further debate regarding mental health and criminal responsibility in Jamaica.
Video Analysis
The Harrowing HIJACKING of CanJet Flight 918 in Montego Bay — On April 19, 2009, CanJet Flight 918 was hijacked by Stephen Fray. This incident involved a Boeing 737-800 carrying 174 passengers and 8 crew members at Sangster International Airport.
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Airframe & Maintenance
Systems & Failure Modes
Airport Security
The security at Sangster International Airport was managed by MBJ Airports Ltd., a consortium involving Vancouver Airport Services. The breach led to an immediate security review of Jamaica's major international airports.
Cockpit Security
Tactical teams utilized the cockpit windows as an entry point to bypass the main cabin and surprise the hijacker.
Interesting Facts
- 01All 174 passengers and 8 crew members survived the incident without physical injury.
- 02The hijacker, Stephen Fray, was a 20 year old Jamaican national from Montego Bay.
- 03The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800 built in 2000, making it nine years old at the time of the incident.
- 04The Jamaican government offered the passengers a one week vacation at a Sandals resort as an apology.
- 05Stephen Fray was released from prison in 2017 after serving 8 years of a 20-year sentence.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Jamaican Airport Security Review
Transport Minister Mike Henry ordered a comprehensive security review of both Sangster International Airport and Norman Manley International Airport following the breach.