What happened
A flydubai plane heading to Tel Aviv experienced a terrifying incident when the co-pilot, an Omani national, stabbed the lead pilot, causing the plane to plunge over 13,000 feet in 40 seconds. According to a veteran Israeli fighter pilot, the plane was just 40 seconds away from catastrophe.
The attempted hijacking occurred when the co-pilot attacked the pilot, and the plane's extreme dive may have been a crucial factor in the plot's failure. The dive likely threw the attacker off balance and alerted passengers, who were able to rush into the cockpit and subdue the co-pilot.
The injured pilot was able to unlock the cockpit doors, allowing passengers to intervene. Off-duty pilots on board also helped to land the plane safely. The Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft's autopilot system was likely knocked off during the struggle, according to the Israeli fighter pilot.
The plane had been cruising at around 34,000 feet before two distress calls were made, indicating a general emergency and a potential hijacking. The plane circled near the Jordan border before landing at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. Passengers on board reported feeling extreme fear for their lives during the incident.
