Passenger Recounts Terror as Flydubai Flight Plunged Amid Pilot Attack
An Israeli passenger described comforting his children during a terrifying descent on a Flydubai flight after one pilot allegedly attacked another.
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a terrifying plunge of over 17,000 feet in less than two minutes when one pilot allegedly attacked the other in an attempt to seize control of the aircraft. Passengers and crew ultimately overpowered the assailant and safely landed the plane.
Adam Polovincik, a passenger on the flight, recounted the harrowing experience to BBC News, describing how he hugged his six-year-old son and three-year-old daughter tightly and tried to reassure them during the sudden descent. Initially, Polovincik thought the sharp drop might be due to an air pocket, but the prolonged and severe nature of the descent soon gave way to screams as passengers realized a more serious situation was unfolding.
"There is blood, there is stabbing, we need help," passengers could be heard shouting. Polovincik, a performance marketing analyst, focused on remaining calm for his children, telling them the plane had a malfunction but was under control, and that passengers were assisting the crew. Despite his efforts, he acknowledged a "high degree of panic" on board, particularly as the plane was filled with families traveling at the end of a Jewish holiday period.
After approximately 10 to 15 minutes, passengers were informed that the situation was under control and that other crew members were piloting the aircraft. However, the reality of the situation became more apparent as people moved through the cabin covered in blood.
Polovincik credited the stabbed pilot, identified as Capt Smit Machchhar, for his bravery. He stated that the pilot fought off the attacker and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. "Without him opening the door, we're probably not speaking here right now," Polovincik said, expressing profound gratitude for the pilot's actions.
Following the incident, the flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where Polovincik noted that the Israeli passengers were treated with kindness, receiving water, food, and sweets for children, despite the lack of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The alleged attacker was arrested in Saudi Arabia and is expected to be transferred to the United Arab Emirates, the flight's departure point. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented that it was too early to determine if Iran was involved but stated the alleged attacker had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination."
Passengers eventually continued to Tel Aviv on another flight, where they were met by a celebratory crowd. Polovincik reflected that the ordeal was a difficult conclusion to an otherwise enjoyable family vacation, and it would take time for his family to process the traumatic events.