Israeli Passengers Recount Daring Mid-Air Takedown of Co-Pilot

Several Israeli passengers on a Flydubai flight have shared harrowing accounts of how they subdued a co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. The incident began when screams were heard from the lavatory, followed by the plane suddenly diving at a 90-degree angle. Passengers realized the situation was dire when the cockpit door was found open and blood was visible inside.

A group of Israeli passengers, including Assaf Radwan, Yaniv Hayoun, Zvika Mans, Yitzhak Liber, and Dr. Shota Musayev, recounted their actions. They entered the cockpit, subdued the co-pilot, and restrained him with zip ties and multimedia headset cords. During the struggle, the main pilot was reportedly stabbed.

Passengers described the terrifying moments, with children screaming they didn't want to die. The intense struggle lasted for about 55 minutes until the plane was stabilized and safely landed in Saudi Arabia. One passenger, Yaniv Hayoun, who identified himself as having aviation in his background, was able to assist in controlling the aircraft.

Two British flight crew members also played a role in regaining control of the plane, with one named James credited with stabilizing the aircraft. The passengers expressed relief that the ordeal ended with everyone safe, though traumatized. The injured pilot and the subdued co-pilot were attended to by medical teams upon landing.