Is Auburn Calloway Still Alive? The Full Story

Have you ever wondered about the fate of individuals involved in infamous events? One such figure is Auburn Calloway. In this article, we delve into the details surrounding Auburn Calloway and his current status. We will explore the background of the incident that brought him into the public eye and provide an update on whether Auburn Calloway is still alive. So, let's uncover the truth about Auburn Calloway.

Who is Auburn Calloway?

Auburn Calloway is best known for his involvement in a notorious aviation incident that occurred on April 7, 1994. At the time, he was a FedEx flight engineer. Calloway attempted to hijack FedEx Flight 705, a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 cargo plane en route from Memphis, Tennessee, to San Jose, California. His plan was elaborate and chilling, involving the use of hammers and a speargun to incapacitate the flight crew. Fortunately, the crew members, despite sustaining severe injuries, managed to subdue Calloway and safely land the aircraft back in Memphis. The heroic actions of Captain David Sanders, First Officer James Tucker, and Flight Engineer Andrew Peterson saved their lives and prevented a potential catastrophe.

Born on November 17, 1951, Auburn Calloway had a background that included training as a pilot in the U.S. Navy. Before joining FedEx, he had a seemingly unremarkable profile, which made his actions all the more shocking. His motive for the attempted hijacking stemmed from personal and professional issues. Calloway faced potential dismissal from FedEx due to discrepancies in his reported flight hours and concerns about his psychological state. To avoid financial ruin and protect his family's future, he hatched the desperate plan to take over the aircraft and crash it, hoping to make it appear as an accident and thus ensure his family would receive a substantial life insurance payout.

The incident brought significant attention to the vulnerabilities in aviation security and led to changes in how airlines and cargo companies screen and manage their employees. The story of FedEx Flight 705 has been recounted in numerous documentaries, books, and articles, often highlighting the bravery of the crew and the meticulous planning of Auburn Calloway. The case remains a chilling reminder of the potential for insider threats and the importance of vigilance in the aviation industry.

The FedEx Flight 705 Incident

The FedEx Flight 705 incident remains one of the most talked-about events in aviation history, not just for its audacious nature but also for the incredible bravery displayed by the flight crew. On April 7, 1994, Auburn Calloway, a disgruntled FedEx employee, boarded the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 with a sinister plan. His aim was to hijack the aircraft, FedEx Flight 705, and crash it to make it look like an accident, thereby triggering a hefty life insurance payout for his family.

Calloway's plan involved using hammers and a speargun to incapacitate the flight crew. He had meticulously prepared for the attack, bringing along several weapons disguised as ordinary items. Shortly after takeoff from Memphis International Airport, Calloway launched his assault. He first attacked Flight Engineer Andrew Peterson, striking him repeatedly with a hammer. The cockpit quickly descended into chaos as Captain David Sanders and First Officer James Tucker fought to defend themselves and regain control of the aircraft.

Despite suffering severe injuries, including a fractured skull for Peterson and significant head wounds for both Sanders and Tucker, the crew managed to fight back. In a remarkable display of courage and skill, they executed a series of maneuvers to disorient Calloway. The physical struggle was intense, with the pilots using every available tool and their sheer determination to subdue Calloway. Eventually, they managed to restrain him and regain control of the plane.

The ordeal was far from over. With the aircraft damaged and the crew severely injured, Captain Sanders and First Officer Tucker had to navigate back to Memphis for an emergency landing. The landing was particularly challenging, given the condition of the crew and the compromised state of the aircraft. However, their expertise and composure under immense pressure ensured a safe landing, averting what could have been a catastrophic disaster. The actions of the crew of FedEx Flight 705 have been widely lauded, and they have been recognized as heroes for their extraordinary bravery and skill in the face of extreme danger. The incident led to significant changes in aviation security protocols, emphasizing the need for rigorous screening and monitoring of airline personnel to prevent similar events in the future.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Following the harrowing events of April 7, 1994, Auburn Calloway faced a series of legal proceedings that captured national attention. Charged with multiple offenses, including attempted air piracy and interference with a flight crew, Calloway's trial was closely followed by the media and the public alike. The prosecution presented a compelling case, detailing Calloway's meticulous planning and the brutal nature of his attack on the flight crew of FedEx Flight 705.

The evidence against Calloway was substantial, including the weapons he had brought on board, his detailed plan to make the hijacking appear as an accident, and the severe injuries sustained by the crew members. The defense attempted to argue that Calloway was suffering from a mental breakdown and was not fully responsible for his actions. However, the jury was unconvinced, and in August 1995, Calloway was found guilty on all counts. The verdict was seen as a victory for the prosecution and a testament to the bravery and resilience of the FedEx Flight 705 crew.

In November 1995, Auburn Calloway was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. The severity of the sentence reflected the gravity of his crimes and the potential for catastrophic loss of life had his plan succeeded. In addition to the life sentences, Calloway was also ordered to pay substantial fines and restitution to the victims. The sentencing brought a sense of closure to the crew and their families, who had endured significant trauma as a result of Calloway's actions.

Calloway's legal team filed appeals, but these were ultimately unsuccessful. He remains incarcerated in a federal prison, serving his life sentences. The case of Auburn Calloway serves as a stark reminder of the potential for insider threats and the importance of vigilance in maintaining aviation security. The legal proceedings and sentencing underscored the seriousness with which such crimes are treated, ensuring that those who endanger the lives of others are held accountable for their actions.

So, Is Auburn Calloway Still Alive?

As of today, it is confirmed that Auburn Calloway is still alive and remains incarcerated. He is serving his two consecutive life sentences in a federal correctional facility. Now you know the answer to whether Auburn Calloway is still alive.

Conclusion

The story of Auburn Calloway and the FedEx Flight 705 incident is a chilling reminder of the potential for extreme actions and the importance of vigilance in the aviation industry. While the events of that day in 1994 were terrifying, the courage and skill of the flight crew prevented a catastrophe. Auburn Calloway is still alive, serving his sentence for the crimes he committed. This case continues to be a significant part of aviation history, highlighting the need for constant improvement in security measures and the recognition of the human element in preventing disasters. The bravery of Captain David Sanders, First Officer James Tucker, and Flight Engineer Andrew Peterson will forever be remembered, and their actions serve as an inspiration to all those in the aviation field.