FlyDubai Co-Pilot Suspected of Disabling Engines During Deadly Flight

The co-pilot of a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv apparently not only steered the aircraft towards the ground but also shut down both engines, according to an analysis by two Boeing 737 captains for the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. The experts, who reviewed onboard video footage, noted that emergency lighting activated during the steep descent, indicating a loss of primary electrical power and a switch to battery power, which can occur when generators or both engines are disabled. Investigators are reportedly examining whether the co-pilot moved the fuel supply switches to the engines from the "on" to the "off" position. Corriere della Sera reported that after an alleged attack on the captain, the co-pilot disengaged the autopilot and rapidly plunged the Boeing 737 Max downwards. In just over 30 seconds, the plane lost approximately 16,000 feet (4.9 kilometers) of altitude, with its speed exceeding 970 km/h. The aircraft reportedly exceeded its structural limits and sustained damage to its tail empennage. After the co-pilot was removed from the controls, the plane was initially stabilized by a passenger, and then control was regained by two FlyDubai pilots on board who managed to restart the engines. The UAE authorities and intelligence services are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident and the co-pilot's actions, according to Corriere. The conclusions of the experts interviewed by Corriere della Sera have not been confirmed by FlyDubai or other official sources.