Israel-Bound Flydubai Plane Plunges 17,000ft After Pilot Stabs Co-pilot and Tries to Crash Aircraft
Four people aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight helped prevent a potential disaster after one of the pilots allegedly attacked his colleague and the aircraft plunged 17,000ft in about two minutes.
The Boeing 737 was eventually diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely at Tabuk Airport after crew members and passengers intervened in the cockpit.
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Plane Plunges During Flight
According to BBC, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he spoke to an Israeli passenger who was on the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to the passenger, the aircraft suddenly went into a spin and began losing altitude as it approached Israel.
Netanyahu said one of the pilots had stabbed the other and apparently attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s systems in what appeared to be an effort to bring down the plane.
The passenger told Netanyahu that he and a crew member managed to gain access to the cockpit and overpower the pilot who had carried out the attack.
Crew And Passengers Take Control
Another crew member subsequently entered the cockpit and helped stabilise the aircraft, according to Netanyahu.
The prime minister praised those involved, saying their actions prevented a major disaster and saved lives.
Flydubai separately confirmed that the aircraft was secured by crew members travelling on the flight, who diverted it and landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
All passengers were reported to be out of danger following the emergency landing.
Pilot Arrested In Saudi Arabia
The pilot accused of stabbing his colleague was arrested after the plane landed and is being questioned by Saudi authorities, Netanyahu said.
The airline said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, with the motive for the attack still unknown.
Witness accounts have also begun to emerge. One passenger reportedly described hearing screams throughout the aircraft before several people entered the cockpit and subdued the attacker.
Israeli Officials Raise Terrorism Claim
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said preliminary indications suggested that the pilot intended to crash the aircraft with everyone on board.
Katz described the incident as an attempted jihadist terror attack and also praised the Israeli passengers who helped overpower the pilot.