A Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced an in-flight security incident after the copilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft. Israeli Defense Minister Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu characterized the event as a jihadist terror attempt, while Saudi authorities detained the copilot for questioning following an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Cockpit Attack Forces Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia
The flight was several hours into its route on the morning when the copilot physically assaulted the captain by stabbing him, according to eyewitness accounts and official statements. Following the attack in the flight deck, the copilot attempted to force the Boeing 737 MAX into a catastrophic descent.
Two pilots traveling as passengers intervened in the cockpit, successfully overpowering the copilot and regaining control of the aircraft before it hit the ground. Defense Minister Katz stated that initial information indicated the attacker’s sole intention was to crash the plane and kill everyone on board. Despite the severe in-flight struggle and the steep dive maneuvers, the aircraft landed safely in the Saudi Arabian city of Tabuk.
Aircraft Damage and Official Investigations
Photographs taken after the emergency landing reveal substantial structural damage to the tail section of the Boeing 737 MAX, with a portion of the aircraft appearing to have broken off. It is suspected that this is due to the dive maneuvers the aircraft made.
Both the captain and the copilot sustained injuries during the onboard altercation. Emergency responders transferred both injured pilots to a hospital in Tabuk immediately after the plane touched down. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that Saudi authorities took custody of the copilot upon landing and initiated an interrogation into the motives behind the cockpit assault.
Incident Details at a Glance
- Route: Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Aircraft: Boeing 737 MAX
- Location of Landing: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Official Assessment: Classified as a terrorist attempt by Israeli Defense Minister Katz and Prime Minister Netanyahu
- Resolution: Two pilot passengers intervened and subdued the copilot
Causes of aircraft damage and copilot custody
What caused the damage to the Flydubai aircraft?
The tail section of the Boeing 737 MAX sustained heavy structural damage, including a visibly broken portion, presumably due to the steep dive maneuvers executed during the cockpit struggle.
Who stopped the attack in the cockpit?
Two pilots who happened to be traveling as passengers on the flight stepped in, overpowered the attacking copilot, and restored order in the flight deck.
Where is the copilot now?
Saudi authorities took custody of the copilot after the emergency landing in Tabuk and are currently conducting an interrogation, according to statements from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
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