On 17 March 1970, Eastern Airlines Flight 1320, a regular domestic flight, became the scene of a tragic event that marked a dark turning point in aviation history. This incident, which resulted in the first fatalities during an aircraft hijacking in the United States, exposed the vulnerability of commercial aviation to violent acts and highlighted the need for improved security measures. The flight, operated by a McDonnell Douglas DC-9, was en route from Newark, New Jersey, to Boston, Massachusetts, when it was hijacked by an attacker, leading to a deadly struggle in the cockpit.
Eastern Airlines Flight 1320 took off from Newark International Airport around 7 PM, carrying 68 passengers and five crew members. The flight was operated by Captain Robert Wilbur Jr., an experienced pilot, and First Officer James Hartley, a decorated Vietnam War veteran. The scheduled flight duration was just over an hour.
Approximately twenty minutes after takeoff, while the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 15,000 feet, a passenger later identified as John J. Divivo, a 27-year-old man with a history of mental illness, approached the cockpit. Armed with a handgun, he demanded entry, claiming he possessed explosives, though none were ever found. Following standard procedures at the time, the crew allowed him into the cockpit to prevent further escalation.
Once inside the cockpit, Divivo ordered Captain Wilbur to divert the aircraft to Logan International Airport in Boston. His behavior quickly became threatening. He demanded that the plane ascend to 25,000 feet, raising concerns among the crew. As tensions escalated, First Officer Hartley discreetly signaled Captain Wilbur that he intended to disarm the hijacker.
In a brave but fatal attempt to regain control of the aircraft, Hartley lunged at Divivo, initiating a physical struggle. During the fight, Divivo fired a shot, striking Hartley in the chest. Despite his severe injury, Hartley continued to fight and managed to wrest the gun from the hijacker, shooting him three times before losing consciousness. Captain Wilbur then regained control of the aircraft and began an emergency descent.
The hijacker, however, did not give up—he managed to retrieve the revolver and shot Captain Wilbur in the arm. He continued attempting to seize control of the aircraft with the apparent intent to crash it, but Wilbur incapacitated him with a blow to the head. He then contacted air traffic control, requesting an emergency landing:
Wilbur: We’re on 3100 and you better get the police at the airport. The copilot is shot. Get us in a hurry BOS.
Boston ATC: 1320, I gotcha, continue right inbound to the airport. You’re 13 miles east, indent on code 04.
Wilbur: Ok, get-get an ambulance to the airport also. My copilot is discombobulated. He can’t talk or anything. He’s passed out. We’ve been shot.
Despite his critical injuries, First Officer Hartley assisted Captain Wilbur until the very last moment, helping stabilize the aircraft and prepare for an emergency landing. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving at Logan International Airport, he succumbed to his injuries. His bravery and determination were recognized as key factors in preventing an even greater tragedy.
Upon landing, police arrested Divivo, who did not resist. He was later charged with aircraft hijacking and murder. During the trial, the defense argued that he was mentally unfit to stand trial, citing his psychiatric history. Nevertheless, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, but he never served his sentence—he committed suicide in custody before the final verdict was delivered.
The hijacking of Eastern Airlines Flight 1320 marked a turning point in aviation security measures. Before this incident, aircraft hijackings were generally nonviolent and politically motivated. However, the events of 17 March 1970, demonstrated that hijackings could have deadly consequences, prompting the implementation of stricter security protocols.
Following this incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airlines began enforcing stricter security measures, including passenger screening, the use of metal detectors, and enhanced crew training for handling crises. Although these measures initially faced resistance due to costs and passenger inconvenience, they became the foundation of modern aviation security standards.
Eastern Airlines Flight 1320 is remembered not only for the tragic loss of First Officer James Hartley but also for the courage and professionalism displayed by the crew under extremely challenging circumstances. Hartley’s actions are now regarded as a symbol of selfless sacrifice and dedication to passenger safety.
This incident also serves as a reminder of aviation’s vulnerabilities and the need for continuous improvement in security measures. Although the events of 17 March 1970, were a dark chapter in aviation history, they spurred the development of safer and more reliable systems that are now standard in the industry.
The aircraft involved in the hijacking (registration N8925E) was three years old at the time of the incident. It continued flying for nearly 43 years, serving Eastern Airlines, Midway Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, before being retired and scrapped in 2010.
In conclusion, the hijacking of Eastern Airlines Flight 1320 was a pivotal event that shaped modern aviation security protocols. The lessons learned from this tragedy continue to serve as the foundation for preventing similar incidents, ensuring that the victims are never forgotten.
