The person at the center of this case
Passengers and crew of American Airlines Flight 625
Cold Case · Open
42 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
🔍
evidence
Lead #1What was the actual nature of the device Montfort displayed—was it a functional bomb or a hoax?
🎯
suspect
Lead #2Did Montfort successfully escape to Cuba, and has he remained there or relocated since 1983?
👁️
witness
Lead #3What details did passengers and crew observe about Montfort's appearance, behavior, and the device that could aid identification?
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 to be flown to Cuba. He displayed what appeared to be an explosive device—a small plastic box with a battery and a wire loop—forcing the captain to divert the aircraft to Havana. Montfort remains wanted for aircraft piracy; his current whereabouts and the true nature of his device remain unknown, making this case significant in aviation security history.
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.
💡
clue
Lead #4How did Montfort board the aircraft with the device, and were there security lapses in 1983 procedures?
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
👤
1983-09-22
shortly after takeoffAmerican Airlines Flight 625 hijacked
Montfort allegedly instructed a passenger to deliver a note to flight attendant, then announced he had a bomb and demanded diversion to Cuba
📍
1983-09-22
Aircraft diverted to Havana
Captain diverted the plane to Havana, Cuba in response to hijacking demands
🕵️
1984-06-28
Federal arrest warrant issued
Warrant issued in United States District Court, Eastern District of New York for aircraft piracy charges
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:September 22, 1983 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:April 29, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:September 22, 1983 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:April 29, 2026