Hijack of Boeing One

This is an introduction to the story of the first Boeing airplane that disappeared in curious circumstances in Auckland, New Zealand in 1925.

It is also a story about the 'hijacking' of film maker John Earnshaw's “Search For Boeing One” documentary film:- an odyssey that began as an intriguing idea in 1978, led to years of research and a treasure hunt for hidden tunnels in 1988 before crashing and burning at the High Court, Auckland in 2003.

Set against the background of the quest for Bluebill and the enigma of the North Head Tunnels, The Hijack Of Boeing One is a story of both mystery and intrigue involving old military forts, hidden tunnels, broken promises and plagiarism seasoned with a dash of Machiavellian conniving.

Between 1978 and 2004, a ‘ripping yarn’ about a priceless relic of aviation history that compelling evidence suggested had been stored away and forgotten became a darker tale about the rancorous side of human nature, duplicitous bureaucracy and the scything of tall poppies.

a book and documentary film project

Written by Jon Smyth based on original research

and the research of John Earnshaw

“Now that ceaseless exposure has calloused us to the lewd and the vulgar, it is instructive to see what still seems wicked to us. What still slaps the clammy flab of our submissive consciousness hard enough to get our attention?”

Thomas Harris

The replica of Bluebill (B&W1) sits on the tarmac next to a Boeing 737 showing the magnificent stature of the 1916 biplane.

The promotional excerpts on this website and in the book promotion document

MAY NOT be reproduced in whole or in part in any way whatsoever without the written permission of the author.

Contact: J Smyth P O Box 60630 Titirangi 0642 Waitakere City ~ info@thehijackofboeingone.com

A ripping yarn about mystery, history, hubris and Bluebill, the first Boeing airplane...