Flydubai passenger describes putting attacker in chokehold after cockpit stabbing
Also reported by CBS News
Summary
Passengers on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv stopped a pilot who stabbed the other pilot and tried to disable the plane. They subdued the attacker, helped regain control of the aircraft, and the flight landed safely in Saudi Arabia.Key Facts
- The flight dropped 17,000 feet in less than two minutes after the attack began.
- One pilot stabbed the other and tried to damage the plane's instruments.
- Passengers, including Yaniv Hayun, entered the cockpit and put the attacker in a chokehold.
- Additional pilots in the passenger area took control to help land the plane.
- The plane landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia before passengers returned to Tel Aviv.
- The stabbed pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, is stable in hospital.
- The attacker was arrested and is being questioned by Saudi authorities.
- Israeli officials called the event an attempted jihadist terror attack but have not provided further details.
