‘Grab the bullets’: Former SA shearer who tackled alleged gun-wielding teen on flight details moment it happened

A former South Australian shearer said he was “never, never” concerned for his own safety when he tackled an alleged gun-wielding teen on a Jetstar flight on Thursday, potentially saving lives in the process.

The man who tackled a teen allegedly wielding a shotgun and knife on a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport near Geelong has been identified as a former shearer from South Australia’s southeast.

Barry Clark spent six years shearing at Lucindale, 350 km from Adelaide, and said the small farming town was a “part of me heart and always will be”.

Mr Clark is being hailed a national hero for his quick thinking and bravery when he tackled a 17-year-old allegedly trying to board a commercial flight with a shotgun and knife on Thursday.

Talking to David and Will on FIVEAA on Friday, Mr Clark, who was sitting in 1C, said it only took him “30 seconds” to realise something was off before he leapt into action.

Asked by one of the hosts if he was scared for his own safety, Mr Clark responded saying it was about the safety of other people on the plane.

Barry Clark, a former Lucindale shearer, has retold how he tackled a 17yo boy allegedly armed with a gun on a Jetstar flight. Picture: Supplied

“Never, never, I was worried about the lady (air hostess), I didn’t want her getting hurt,” he said.

“She was 100 per cent in danger.

“The main thing is, get between them so he couldn’t hurt her you know, and I just grabbed her and threw her out of the way, well, not threw her, pushed her out of the way as gently as I could on a quick situation.”

Mr Clark was unable to go into full details of the events that unfolded, but said as the situation started to erupt and passengers and crew became aware of what was happening, the flight captain also sprung into action.

A fellow passenger and a pilot tackled a man who allegedly brought a shotgun onto a Jetstar plane at Avalon Airport. Picture: 9 NEWS,

“Not (no one helped) at the first stage, but towards the midfield of it, the gentleman flying the plane come out and helped me assist to get the … I just said to grab the bullets and get everything out of sight while I had him pinned,” he said.

“But nah, everyone on the plane was great, no one got agitated, no one screaming, no one yelling.

“I just think everyone was bewildered with what went on and it was over in a matter of seconds … I just had to hold him down.”

Mr Clark had boarded the flight and was on his way to Sydney to watch the Swans play, and said he received a standing ovation from travellers and airport staff when landed on Friday.

“I just got a standing ovation in Sydney which was amazing,” he said.

Barry Clark waving at the Sydney Airport crowd. Supplied

Hero passenger Barry Clark cheered at Sydney Airport. Pictures: Supplied

“I’ll be there for Jake Lloyd (Swans player), number 44. I’m just in Coogee (Beach) at the moment heading to me apartment, getting settled in and go for a walk around with me friends and we’ll be at the footy tonight 100 per cent.”

The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified because of his age, faced children’s court on Friday, where he is facing 12 offences, including unlawfully taking control of an aircraft, endangering the safe operation of an aircraft and bomb hoax and possession of a firearm.

He was also charged with driving unsupervised as a learner driver, and has also been accused of stealing two shotguns, a rifle, and carrying an imitation homemade explosive before he boarded the plane.

He was remanded to reappear at court later this month.