Two Off-Duty Pilots Avert Disaster on FlyDubai Flight After Cockpit Attack
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Two off-duty pilots, traveling as passengers on a FlyDubai flight, intervened and regained control of the aircraft after the captain was assaulted and the plane lost altitude. They successfully stabilized the plane and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia, averting a potential disaster.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two off-duty pilots intervened on a FlyDubai flight after an onboard assault.
- Their intervention prevented the plane from losing further altitude.
- The pilots stabilized the aircraft and diverted it to Saudi Arabia.
- Passenger accounts describe the event as miraculous and terrifying.
- The pilots' identities have not yet been released by the airline.
Four days after an incident on FlyDubai flight FZ1073, the identities of two pilots who intervened as passengers to regain control of the aircraft remain undisclosed. The airline has stated they were off-duty crew members. Their presence proved crucial when the captain was assaulted and the plane rapidly lost altitude. According to passenger Daniel Schlichter, interviewed by the Associated Press, the two pilots entered the cockpit shortly after an altercation began. Schlichter described the situation as a "miracle," highlighting the rarity of two extra pilots being on board. The pilots were on a "deadhead flight," a common industry practice allowing crew to travel as passengers to positions where they are scheduled to work. After the initial aggressor was subdued and the plane's descent halted by an Israeli passenger, one of the off-duty pilots rushed to the cockpit, soon followed by his colleague. They then secured the cockpit door. The two pilots spent approximately ten minutes, or possibly longer, stabilizing the aircraft. A "Mayday" distress call was issued as they worked to find a safe landing solution. Passengers remained confused, with Schlichter expressing anxiety due to the lack of immediate communication, fearing a potential hijacking. Approximately 45 minutes later, passengers were informed that the plane would land in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and that the situation was under control. Schlichter realized then that the pilots had averted a catastrophe. The specific roles of each pilot in the aftermath of the assault are still being determined.
