This Is The Single Craziest Thing You Never Knew Happened In Maine

Maine is known for many things, from lobster and blueberries to rugged coastlines and charming small towns. But did you know that Vacationland played a role in the longest hijacking ever recorded in the US? This story involves alcohol, an Italian heartthrob, and a tiny Maine airport that didn't know what it was in for! If you're wondering about weird things that happened in Maine, this certainly qualifies. Our story involves an Italian man living in the US who served as a Marine in Vietnam, a hijacked plane, and the Bangor Airport.

Raffaele Minichiello immigrated to the US as a teenager and served 13 months with the Marines in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart. Stationed at Camp Pendleton upon his return, he accused his unit's paymaster of withholding $200 from his paycheck.

Believing himself to be the victim of a horrendous affront, he stole $200 worth of items from the camp's store—mainly radios and watches—in retaliation.

On the day he was to be tried, he fled to LA and bought himself a one-way ticket on TWA Flight 85 to San Francisco. While on board, he took shots of Canadian Club, loaded a gun in the bathroom, and officially hijacked the plane to go back to Italy, where he felt his countrymen would understand his victimhood and take his side. The plane stopped to refuel in Denver and again in New York, where the FBI tried to stop him.

But—and this is where Maine enters the story—he fled the FBI at JFK Airport and went straight to Bangor, Maine! The little airport was his last refueling stop in the US before another in Ireland, just before arriving in Italy.

He landed in Rome, then hid in a small town in Italy before being captured, though the country didn't extradite him back to the US. Instead, they tried him on small charges, and he spent just 18 months in prison.

Raffaele Minichiello ultimately became a local Italian heartthrob!

The hijacking has gone down in history as the longest of its kind in history. And, to think, our own Bangor played a role.

So, what did you think? Did you know about this piece of unusual Maine history? For related content, take a look at this other unbelievable thing that happened in Maine. Plan your own trip to Maine with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.