Explainer: Here’s what we know about flydubai flight 1073
Questions remain over what happened aboard Flydubai Flight 1073 after its copilot allegedly attempted to bring down the aircraft on September 30, before the plane was safely diverted and landed in Saudi Arabia.
What happened to the plane?
The flight, carrying more than 170 passengers and crew, most of them Israeli, departed Dubai at 03:05 GMT, according to flight data reviewed by Reuters.
At about 05:21 GMT, while flying through Saudi Arabian airspace, the aircraft suddenly made a sharp turn and twice entered steep descents towards the ground before recovering.
During the most severe descent, the aircraft lost more than 16,000 feet in just over 30 seconds.
The crew subsequently issued distress signals indicating an emergency and unlawful interference. The aircraft changed course while over Jordanian airspace and was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
An Israeli official said the aircraft’s transponder was also switched off for almost 30 minutes at one stage.
What happened inside the cockpit?
According to the captain and Israeli and Saudi officials, the copilot attacked and injured the captain during the flight.
During one of the aircraft’s steep descents, the injured captain, who was lying on the cockpit floor, managed to open the cockpit door. He said this allowed passengers to enter and overpower the copilot.
Israeli officials, citing witnesses, said the copilot was seen striking the control panel, although they did not provide further details. They said his actions appeared to indicate an attempt to crash the aircraft.
After the copilot was subdued, one passenger reportedly managed to stabilise the aircraft. He later said he knew how to do so after learning from an air-crash television programme.
Two off-duty pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently took control and landed the plane, according to witnesses and Israeli officials.
Saudi authorities said both the captain and copilot were injured. Videos from inside the aircraft, verified by Reuters, showed the wounded captain and copilot, blood apparently on parts of the cabin walls, and passengers restraining the copilot.
What remains unclear?
Several details of the incident have yet to be established, including the precise sequence and timing of events inside the cockpit, how the copilot overpowered the captain and what weapon may have been used.
A passenger can be heard in one video asking about a knife, while another refers to a stabbing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also suggested that a crash axe normally carried on the aircraft may have been used.
How close was the plane to crashing?
At its steepest descent, the aircraft was losing altitude at roughly 544 feet, or 166 metres, per second.
According to the report, aircraft following similar trajectories have previously been involved in major crashes.
What role did the passengers play?
Passengers played a significant role in regaining control of the aircraft.
One woman reportedly noticed a disturbance in the cockpit after the captain opened the door and alerted other passengers. At least four passengers then rushed into the cockpit and confronted the copilot.
The passenger who later helped stabilise the aircraft said he initially pulled the copilot away from the controls with assistance from other passengers.
Two other passengers reportedly restrained the copilot by tying him up with earphone cables, while a doctor travelling on the flight attended to the injured captain.
Why were there other trained pilots aboard?
Two off-duty Flydubai pilots were travelling on the aircraft and later took over the controls.
A pilot interviewed by Reuters suggested they may have been travelling as backup for fatigued crew members. Flights in the Middle East have frequently been rerouted because of the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, potentially increasing demands on flight crews.
Flydubai said on Friday that a full investigation into the incident was underway.
What is known about the copilot?
Israeli officials have identified the copilot as an Omani national and alleged that he attempted to crash the aircraft.
Little information has emerged about his identity or possible motive. Omani authorities have not publicly commented, and neither the copilot nor a representative has issued a statement.
Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry said that after receiving medical treatment for his injuries, the copilot was transferred to Abu Dhabi.
Netanyahu told Fox News that the copilot had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination” and was suicidal, but he did not provide supporting details.
Israeli security officials have indicated that he was probably acting alone, although investigations remain ongoing.
Israel’s ambassador to the UAE has said no motive has yet been established.
Was Iran or another country involved?
Israeli security officials said there was no evidence so far of Iranian involvement.
Iran has not publicly commented on the incident.
Who is investigating?
The United Arab Emirates has ordered an investigation into the incident.
UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag.
Netanyahu said Israel, which maintains close diplomatic and security ties with the UAE, could potentially take part in the investigation.
Saudi Arabia said it carried out the preliminary investigation in cooperation with security teams from the UAE.
How did the incident happen despite aviation security measures?
Pilots are subject to background checks and routine psychological assessments as part of aviation security measures strengthened after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.
Israel also has strict screening procedures for people travelling into the country. Under its usual rules, pilots from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel, including Oman, are generally not permitted to enter.
Netanyahu said Israeli authorities would examine the “loophole” that allowed the Omani copilot to operate the flight.
His office said Israel would also strengthen security checks on pilots operating flights into the country following the incident.
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