Passengers and crew members aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv have been credited with helping avert a potential disaster after an alleged violent confrontation in the cockpit sent the aircraft into a rapid descent.
Flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after one of the pilots allegedly stabbed his colleague and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the incident could have ended in a catastrophe had passengers and crew members not intervened.
The aircraft had departed Dubai International Airport at around 6:05am local time and was heading towards Tel Aviv when it began losing altitude rapidly.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft descended thousands of feet in a matter of seconds before issuing a distress call. The flight also transmitted code 7500, the international signal used to indicate a hijacking.
Passengers described scenes of panic as the aircraft suddenly dropped.
“We just felt the plane drop completely and start spinning a little, and everyone was screaming, there were children crying,” passenger Mika Bauman told CNN.
According to Israeli officials, the pilot who was attacked, identified as Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, fought back and managed to allow passengers and other crew members to enter the cockpit.
Passengers reportedly restrained the alleged attacker, while other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped regain control of the plane.
Flydubai confirmed that its crew successfully secured the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk, where it landed safely. The airline said all passengers and crew members were safe and accounted for.
Videos recorded by passengers showed a bloodied pilot receiving assistance inside the aircraft, while another man believed to be the alleged attacker was being restrained.
The injured pilot was taken to hospital for treatment. Local reports said he was in a stable condition after undergoing surgery.
A passenger who helped restrain the alleged attacker said several people rushed into the cockpit after the aircraft began its rapid descent.
The passengers remained on board until the aircraft landed in Tabuk at about 9:54am, after which replacement aircraft were arranged to transport them onward.
The suspected attacker was detained by Saudi authorities, according to Israeli officials. His identity and the motive behind the incident have not been conclusively established.
Flydubai has urged against speculation while authorities investigate what happened, saying the reasons and motives for the incident remain unknown.
The incident is being investigated by authorities in Saudi Arabia and Israel. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s flight data and cockpit voice recordings, as well as interview crew members, passengers and other pilots who were on board.
The investigation is also expected to examine how the confrontation began, how the cockpit was accessed and what led to the aircraft’s sudden descent.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, the flight landed safely and passengers were eventually able to continue their journey to Israel.
Flydubai said its priority remained the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew while it cooperates with the relevant authorities.
Based on reporting by CNN