The Knife: A True Crime Podcast – Episode: "Hijacked"

Hosts: Hannah Smith and Pasha Eaton
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Hijacked," hosts Hannah Smith and Pasha Eaton delve deep into the harrowing true story of Jackie Pflug, a survivor of the EgyptAir 648 plane hijacking in 1985. Through an in-depth interview, Jackie recounts the terrifying events she endured, the immediate aftermath, and her long journey toward recovery and healing. This episode not only highlights the incident itself but also explores the profound impact it had on Jackie's life.

Background: Jackie’s Life Before the Hijacking ([02:40] - [03:38])

Jackie Pflug, originally from Houston, Texas, was a dedicated special education teacher. Her passion for teaching led her overseas to Stavanger, Norway, and subsequently to Cairo, Egypt, where she worked at the American School. In Cairo, Jackie met and married her first husband, Scott Flug. Together, they embraced their expatriate life, exploring ancient pyramids, studying Arabic, and engaging in local activities such as sailing the Nile and coaching volleyball.

The Volleyball Tournament and Flight Change ([04:13] - [06:47])

In November 1985, Scott was coaching the girls' volleyball team at the Cairo American College. The team was invited to a tournament in Athens, Greece, where they excelled, advancing to the championship game. Wanting to support her husband, Jackie decided to accompany the team to Athens, postponing her return to Cairo. During this time, Jackie was aware of increased security measures at the Athens airport, noting the meticulous baggage checks and long security lines.

Notable Quote:
“I noticed that they were going through everyone's bags, putting one hand in their bag, completely putting their whole hand in their bag. And I remember standing there thinking, oh, my gosh, they're not really doing such a great job.” ([04:00])

Boarding EgyptAir 648 and the Hijacking Begins ([07:31] - [14:44])

After witnessing the team's success in Athens, Jackie booked the last flight out of the day on EgyptAir 648, anticipating a short two-hour trip back to Cairo. As the plane took off in darkness, Jackie listened to Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA." Approximately fifteen minutes after takeoff, the tranquility was shattered when a hijacker armed with a gun and grenade announced, “You’re being hijacked by the Egypt revolution.” Panic ensued as passengers grappled with fear and confusion.

Notable Quote:
“One moment I'm alive, and one moment I'm wondering if I'm going to die.” ([09:28])

The Chaos of the Hijacking and Initial Survival ([14:44] - [22:41])

The hijackers, linked to the Egypt Revolution and influenced by figures like Muammar Gaddafi and Abu Doll, demanded a refuel and flight path to Libya. Amid the chaos, three air marshals onboard attempted to intervene, resulting in a gunfight that led to structural damage and a rapid descent of the aircraft. As the plane plummeted, Jacqueline experienced a moment of profound realization about her life's fragility and the small frustrations that once seemed significant.

Notable Quote:
“It's not just what you said, but it's also, one moment I'm safe and one moment I'm not.” ([09:28])

Surviving the Crash and Being Taken Hostage ([22:41] - [37:50])

Upon landing in Malta under dire circumstances, the hijackers began executing hostages, primarily targeting Israeli passengers, while sporadically releasing others. Jackie, who had taken the window seat, chose to remain still to increase her chances of survival. As hostages were killed one by one, the situation grew increasingly hopeless. Despite initial signs of hope when medics were allowed onto the plane, the hijackers resumed their deadly actions, leading to further chaos and loss of life.

Notable Quote:
“I heard, well, this is okay. They're letting people go. That's awesome.” ([26:07])

Rescue Attempt and Aftermath ([37:50] - [43:50])

The rescue operation by Egyptian commandos turned disastrous when an explosion intended to prompt a commando storm led to a fireball engulfing the aircraft. This botched attempt resulted in the deaths of 54 passengers, two crew members, and one hijacker. Jackie survived a gunshot wound to the head, sustaining severe brain injuries but ultimately living through the ordeal.

Notable Quote:
“He wasn't able to blow out the tires. But when we landed, that's when things started to take place.” ([22:41])

Medical Recovery and Life Alterations ([43:50] - [55:24])

Transported to Germany for medical treatment, Jackie faced a long recovery process marked by cognitive impairments, memory loss, and epileptic seizures. Her relationship with Scott became strained as they navigated the challenges of her new reality. Despite these hardships, Jackie sought therapy and support, gradually rebuilding her life. She authored a book, "Miles to Go Before I Sleep," detailing her experiences and lessons learned, which also launched her career in motivational speaking.

Notable Quote:
“After you get shot in the head, you may come out alive, but you don't come out the same ever.” ([47:26])

Emotional Toll and Personal Growth ([55:24] - [66:44])

Jackie's journey continued beyond physical healing. She dealt with profound emotional trauma, including PTSD and the loss of part of her identity. Divorcing Scott, she eventually found strength through writing and speaking, producing a second book, "Wake It’s Time to Say Yes to Creating a Life Worth Loving," which focuses on embracing life post-trauma. This new chapter emphasizes personal growth, forgiveness, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life despite past tragedies.

Notable Quote:
“But I just did the work and I didn't give up and stayed the course and got the help that I needed along the way.” ([51:31])

Conclusion: Reflecting on Resilience ([66:09] - [67:15])

Hannah and Pasha commend Jackie for her vivid recollection and resilience, highlighting the enduring impact of her experience. They reflect on the emotional weight of her story and the broader lessons it imparts about human strength and the capacity to rebuild after unimaginable trauma.

Notable Quote:
“You just need to help protect it. With LifeLock, save up to 40% your first year.” ([62:00]) – Note: This quote is part of an advertisement and should be excluded from the summary.

Final Thoughts

Jackie Pflug's story is a testament to human resilience in the face of extreme adversity. Her journey from a traumatized survivor to a motivational speaker and author inspires listeners to find strength and purpose despite life's most challenging moments.

Additional Resources

• Books by Jackie Pflug:

  • Miles to Go Before I Sleep: A detailed account of the EgyptAir 648 hijacking and Jackie's recovery.
  • Wake It’s Time to Say Yes to Creating a Life Worth Loving (2025): Focuses on embracing life post-trauma and personal growth.

• Follow The Knife:

  • Instagram: @theknifepodcast
  • Bluesky: @theknifepodcast.bsky.social

Note: This summary omits all advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the impactful story of Jackie Pflug as shared in the "Hijacked" episode of The Knife: A True Crime Podcast.