Footage: FlyDubai Israel Plane Hijack - What Happened [737 Max Dubai to Tel Aviv FZ1073 A6-FKF]

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Video Summary

A FlyDubai Boeing 737 MAX experienced a terrifying plunge of over 17,000 feet in under a minute, sparking fears of a hijacking attempt where the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot. The aircraft, Flight FZ-1073 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted after squawking emergency codes, first a general emergency (7700) and then a hijacking code (7500).

The plane plummeted from 34,000 feet to as low as 16,600 feet, a descent rate so extreme it risked structural failure. Miraculously, the aircraft did not break apart, though reports indicate the rudder was torn off. Passengers reportedly intervened, helping to force the alleged attacker out of the cockpit. Both pilots sustained injuries, with one reportedly treated by a dentist, and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia, escorted by Israeli fighter jets. The incident is being investigated as a potential act of terror.

Short Highlights

Suspected Hijacking and Attack: The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the pilot, leading to a diversion and emergency landing.
Extreme Altitude Loss: The aircraft plummeted over 17,000 feet in less than a minute from its cruising altitude.
Structural Damage: The plane suffered significant damage, including a reportedly torn-off rudder, yet miraculously remained intact.
Passenger Intervention: Passengers reportedly assisted in subduing the attacker and forcing them out of the cockpit.
Emergency Codes: The aircraft initially squawked a general emergency (7700) before changing to the hijacking code (7500).
Safe Landing: The damaged aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia, escorted by Israeli fighter jets.

Key Details

Alarming Plunge and Emergency Squawk [0:07]

A FlyDubai Boeing 737 MAX, Flight FZ-1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, experienced a rapid descent of over 14,000 feet in 30 seconds.
The aircraft allegedly squawked a hijacking code, changing from a general emergency (7700) to 7500.
"A fly Dubai plane just plunged over 14,000 feet in a matter of 30 seconds."

Extreme Descent Rate [0:49]

The flight data shows the aircraft at a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet before an abrupt interruption to its flight path.
Within a minute, the altitude dropped to approximately 18,000 feet, reaching as low as 17,550 feet, indicating a descent rate of about 17,000 feet per minute.
"And within the span of a minute, we can see that altitude plummets over here to about 18,000 feet, as low as 17,550."

Structural Integrity Miracle [1:15]

The extreme descent rate and the accompanying wind noise suggest a severe risk of structural failure.
Remarkably, the aircraft did not break apart in mid-air, and reports indicate it landed with a torn-off rudder.
"The fact that the plane, with that howling you heard, did not break apart in flight is entirely a miracle."

Alleged Hijacking Attempt [4:46]

Reports suggest the co-pilot allegedly attempted to stab the pilot, and passengers helped remove the attacker from the cockpit.
Two passengers were reportedly injured while assisting the flight crew.
"Apparently, the co-pilot allegedly tried to stab the other pilot."

Investigation and International Response [5:43]

Israel's security establishment is assessing the incident as a potential act of terror.
Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled and escorted the aircraft during its diversion and landing in Saudi Arabia.
"A growing assessment amongst Israeli security establishment is that the incident was indeed an act of terror."

Pilot Injuries and Landing [6:32]

Both pilots were injured, with one reportedly treated by a dentist.
There are unconfirmed reports that two off-duty pilots, dressed as civilians, may have assisted in landing the aircraft.
"Apparently, and allegedly, the Omani pilot stabbed the Emirati pilot and both were wounded, hospitalized, and both are alive at this point."