The person at the center of this case
Passengers and crew of American Airlines Flight 625
Cold Case · Open
43 years waiting · since 1983
AMBROSE HENRY MONTFORT
Justice for Passengers and crew of American Airlines Flight 625 — the trail went cold in 1983, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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suspect
Lead #1What was Montfort's motivation for hijacking the aircraft and seeking passage to Cuba?
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evidence
Lead #2Was the device Montfort displayed actually a functional bomb, or was it a hoax?
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clue
Lead #3What happened to Montfort after the plane landed in Havana—did he remain in Cuba or flee elsewhere?
On September 22, 1983, Ambrose Henry Montfort allegedly hijacked American Airlines Flight 625 shortly after takeoff from New York, claiming to have a bomb and demanding the aircraft be diverted to Cuba. The captain complied and flew to Havana, where Montfort disappeared into the Cuban system. Montfort remains a fugitive wanted by the FBI for aircraft piracy, with his current whereabouts unknown.
Case
#675
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); United States District Court, Eastern District of New York
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
👤
person
Lead #4Are there any living witnesses from Flight 625 who could provide additional details about Montfort's appearance or behavior?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Crime Aboard an Aircraft - Aircraft Piracy Caution: Ambrose Henry Montfort is wanted for his alleged involvement in the September 22, 1983, hijacking of American Airlines Flight 625 en route from New York to St. Thomas/St.
Croix, United States Virgin Islands. Shortly after the plane took off, Montfort allegedly instructed a passenger to take a note to a flight attendant.
When the passenger read the note, Montfort allegedly announced that he had a bomb and wanted to go to Cuba. Those on board the aircraft observed Montfort holding a small, plastic box with possibly a battery taped to its side and a wire or string that had a wire loop on the end through which he had placed his finger.
Montfort's demands were relayed to the Captain of the plane, who then diverted his route and flew the plane to Havana, Cuba. A federal arrest warrant was issued for Montfort in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, on June 28, 1984, after he was charged with aircraft piracy.
Timeline of Events
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1983-09-22
American Airlines Flight 625 hijacking
Ambrose Henry Montfort allegedly hijacked American Airlines Flight 625 shortly after takeoff from New York, claiming to have a bomb and demanding diversion to Cuba. He displayed a small plastic box with a battery and wire loop device.
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1984-06-28
Federal arrest warrant issued
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Montfort in the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, charging him with aircraft piracy.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:September 22, 1983
Last Updated:October 30, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:September 22, 1983
Last Updated:October 30, 2026