1960
The Trans-Australia Airlines hijacking was Australia’s first skyjacking incident. It occurred on 19 July 1960. The aircraft, a Lockheed Electra Mk 2 (VH‑TLB), was operating Flight 408, the last Sydney to Brisbane service for the day. Forty‑three passengers and six crew were endangered.
The crew — Captain John Benton, First Officer Tom Bennett, Flight Engineer Fred McDonald, Hostesses Fay Strugnell and Janeene Christie — were involved in the incident, along with Captain Dennis Lawrence who was travelling as a passenger.
The hijacker, Alex Hildebrandt, was armed with a bomb, a fully loaded sawn‑off .22 calibre rifle, and a spare magazine.
He had rigged a detonator using a torch battery, bare wires, and two sticks of gelignite. When Bennett attempted to calm him, Hildebrandt fired a shot through the ceiling of the aircraft.
Bennett punched Hildebrandt and tore the wires from his hand, disabling the bomb. Captain Lawrence assisted in subduing and restraining the hijacker using handcuffs carried on board.
Tom Bennett was awarded the George Medal for his bravery, and Captain Lawrence was formally commended.
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Hildebrandt faced charges of attempted murder of First Officer Bennett, possession of an explosive device with intent to destroy the aircraft, and possession of explosives capable of causing injury.
He was sentenced to three years for attempted murder, ten years for attempting to destroy the aircraft, and two years for the explosives charge.
He successfully appealed in the Queensland Criminal Court, arguing that the aircraft was over New South Wales when he armed the explosives.
He served three years in Brisbane, and upon release was immediately arrested by New South Wales detectives. He was convicted again and served a further seven years in NSW.
All crew members were emotionally affected and were granted extended leave before continuing their careers with TAA.
