A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia Wednesday after one pilot reportedly stabbed the other during a cockpit altercation, prompting passengers and off-duty crew members to intervene.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was carrying more than 100 passengers when the incident occurred while the aircraft was flying toward Israel. Passengers reported hearing shouting from the cockpit before several people moved forward to help subdue the attacker.
The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Flydubai said the aircraft was secured by on-duty crew members who were traveling on the flight and that all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for. The airline said the circumstances and motive remain under investigation.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft descend sharply during the incident. Reports noted the 737 MAX 8 dropped more than 17,000 feet in about two minutes before diverting toward Tabuk. The aircraft also transmitted emergency signals during the event.
Passengers told Israeli media that some people rushed to the cockpit after the attack. One account said off-duty pilots who were traveling as passengers subsequently helped operate the aircraft.
Israeli officials have characterized the incident as a possible attempted attack, but Flydubai said the underlying reasons and motives had not been established and cautioned against speculation while authorities investigate.
Two crew members were reportedly hospitalized in Saudi Arabia with injuries. No passengers were reported seriously injured.
The photo shows 737-800, not MAX
Three key issues, missing:
1.The wounded captain managed to open the cockpit door
2.Israeli passengers overpowered the culprit
3.Israeli passenger pulled the yoke and levelled the aircraft
And the airplane landed with most of its rudder missing.
“Cockpit altercation”, seriously? Like some squabble over a minor disagreement? That’s what Flydubai chose to call it, but it can’t be farther from the truth.
This was a terrorist attack, the FO stabbed the captain in order to bring a plane full of Israelis down. That’s what happened, and words count.
If you have seen the videos, the co-pilot who attacked the pilot is seen yelling “Allah Akbar” as he was being subdued.
Not making too many assumptions, but this seemed like a terror attack.
There is no “stick” in a 737. There is a yoke however.
Beware reports vary.
Passengers near front and responding say they did NOT hear “Allah Akbar” at the flight deck, 'stan1’s report may be while he was on floor aft being subdued.
(One report says subduers used ‘extension cords’ to wrap his limbs. (There usually is an F/A handset and perhaps PA mike nearby, but perhaps pax personal headsets.)
Reports indicate victim pilot was able to unlock door somehow before going unconscious, original B737 had a switch at aft end of control stand to lock/unlock door, I don’t know what there is after reinforcement of door but may be same.