Flydubai pilot stabs co-pilot in suspected attempt to crash plane
A Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight narrowly avoided disaster after a cockpit struggle led to a massive altitude drop and an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia.
A Dubai-to-Tel Aviv Flydubai flight nearly ended in catastrophe on Wednesday when a pilot allegedly stabbed his co-pilot, triggering a 14,125-foot plunge in 29 seconds and a desperate struggle to prevent a crash. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defense officials described the incident as a potential terror attack, while passengers and crew credited with averting disaster hailed the bravery of a wounded pilot who opened the cockpit door.
Flight Plummets as Cockpit Struggle Erupts
The Boeing 737, flight number FZ 1073, was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the crisis began. According to flight data, the aircraft dropped nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, sending passengers into chaos. “I thought it was a plane malfunction, but then I started hearing screaming about the stabbings,” said Aviatar Alevi, a 17-year-old student. “Then I understood the weight of the actual situation.”
Passengers reported hearing a woman shout that “someone is stabbing someone in the cockpit” before the plane dived toward the ground. The incident led to an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Airport, where the aircraft landed safely. Israeli officials confirmed 174 people were aboard, including 27 children, with at least one passenger requiring medical attention for a mild injury, according to sources.
Heroic Passenger Subdues Attacker
A key turning point came when Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun, wearing a bloodied shirt, entered the cockpit and subdued the attacker. “I grabbed the attacker, put him in a chokehold and pulled him out,” Hayun told reporters. “I called the Israelis who were with us, jumped back in and pulled the controls.”
Hayun, who claimed an aviation background, said the attacker was attempting to disable the plane’s systems. “The pilot was trying to destroy the instruments in order to disable the plane,” he said. Another passenger, Asaf Rajuan, described the act as a “do-or-die” effort to save lives. “This is something you do without thinking, just running to save your daughter’s life, your family’s life,” he said.
The wounded pilot, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, is credited with opening the cockpit door despite being stabbed. Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a “true hero,” stating he “saved the lives of 174 people.” Machchhar is in stable condition in a Saudi hospital, according to the Indian Embassy.
Investigation into Possible Terror Attack
Israeli and U.S. officials are investigating whether the incident was a terror attack. Netanyahu called it a “jihadist terrorist attack attempt,” while Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed the claim. A senior U.S. official stated preliminary findings suggest the Omani co-pilot may have acted alone, though ties to external groups remain under scrutiny.
Saudi authorities are questioning the Omani suspect, who is believed to have been the attacker. The Omani Embassy in the U.S. did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Israeli officials emphasized that while the motive is unclear, “there is a strong opinion” the incident was terror-related.
The incident has heightened security concerns in Israel, which is preparing for parliamentary elections. Far-right security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for “no agreement with terrorism,” while Netanyahu’s office warned against premature speculation. Flydubai suspended all flights to and from Israel pending the investigation.
Passengers Describe Miracle Survival
Survivors described the ordeal as a “miracle.” Lital Shachaf said, “It was awful, crazy, and we thank God that we survived it.” Another passenger, Peleg Itali, noted the trauma of a family with young children on board. “The mother doesn’t even know what to tell them,” he said.
The plane’s rudder showed significant damage after landing, and Israeli fighter jets were scrambled initially. However, another pair of Flydubai pilots aboard the aircraft took control after the attacker was subdued, enabling a safe landing. Passengers were later flown to Ben Gurion Airport, where Netanyahu personally thanked Hayun and other heroes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | FZ 1073 |
| Passengers Aboard | 174 (including 27 children) |
| Altitude Drop | 14,125 feet in 29 seconds |
| Injured Passengers | At least one (mild injuries) |
| Attacker Nationality | Omani |
| Stabbed Pilot Nationality | Indian (Smit Machchhar) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the attacker?
Israeli officials identified the co-pilot as an Omani national. The Omani Embassy in the U.S. has not commented on the incident.
Was this a terror attack?
Israeli and U.S. officials are investigating whether the incident was a terror attack. Netanyahu called it a “jihadist terrorist attack attempt,” but no conclusive evidence has been released.
How did passengers stop the attack?
A bloodied Israeli passenger, Yaniv Hayun, entered the cockpit and subdued the attacker. The stabbed pilot, Smit Machchhar, opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and regain control of the aircraft.
The incident has reignited debates over aviation security in the Middle East, particularly as Israel prepares for elections. While authorities continue their investigation, the actions of passengers and crew remain proof of resilience in the face of chaos. For now, the 174 survivors carry the weight of a near-disaster that, as one passenger put it, “was a miracle.”
