FlyDubai 737 Max Plunges Amid Hijacking Alert

A FlyDubai 737 Max, flight FZ1073 (registration A6-FKF), traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, experienced a rapid descent of 14,000 feet in just 30 seconds.

Early reports indicated a potential hijacking attempt, with unconfirmed rumors suggesting a co-pilot stabbed the pilot. The aircraft initially squawked a 7700 general emergency code, which was later changed to 7500, the universal hijacking code. Further unconfirmed rumors circulated that the flight carried many Israeli passengers and was a target for a takeover.

The aircraft plummeted from 34,000 feet to approximately 17,550 feet within one minute, a descent rate calculated by the pilot at roughly 17,000 feet per minute.

This rate is extremely dangerous, subjecting the aircraft to structural stress that could have caused it to break apart, yet the plane survived and landed despite reports of a missing rudder, with no fatalities reported among those on board.

Operating as flight FZ1073, the 737 Max with registration A6-FKF deviated from its Dubai-to-Tel-Aviv route after the crew transmitted a hijacking signal, following an initial 7700 general emergency code.

The aircraft diverted after squawking a general emergency code 7700, which was subsequently changed to the hijacking code 7500 seven minutes later.

Speculation arose that the flight carried many Israeli passengers.

Rumors suggested a takeover attempt to either harm the Israeli passengers or use the aircraft as a weapon to crash into Israel, though the host emphasized these claims remained unconfirmed.

Reports indicated the aircraft landed with a torn-off rudder, a severe structural damage.

The speaker described the absence of reported fatalities, despite the structural damage and extreme forces, as a miracle.

Aircraft are designed with maximum operating speeds to prevent structural failure.

For a 737, this limit is typically around 300 to 320 knots, depending on its configuration, and a descent rate of 17,000 feet per minute would place the aircraft well beyond these design limitations, making the reported damage predictable.

The aircraft's descent involved a drop of 17,400 feet, from 34,000 feet to a low of 16,600 feet, with its ground speed reaching 600 knots, an overspeed condition during descent.

The speaker described the aircraft's survival under such forces as a miracle, noting that it did not break apart in flight.

After the initial plunge, the aircraft attempted to level off, though its altitude continued to fluctuate.

Inputting codes like 7700 for general emergency or 7500 for hijacking is a time-consuming and difficult task during a crisis.

Pilots prioritize navigation and aircraft control during emergencies, making squawking a secondary concern, especially when immediate physical danger is present.

Approximately seven minutes after the initial emergency squawk, the code was changed to 7500, which is universally recognized as hijacking or unlawful interference.

This change occurred as the situation reached a level of control that allowed for the aircraft's diversion to Tarukq, Saudi Arabia.

The co-pilot allegedly attempted to stab the pilot during the flight.

Passengers near the front of the aircraft reportedly intervened, assisting in removing the attacking pilot from the cockpit, with two passengers reportedly injured in the process. Israeli security sources are evaluating the incident as a potential act of terror, including fears of an attempted ground-crash.

There were discussions about other pilots on board, possibly traveling for training or support, who may have assisted the injured flight crew.

A dentist and other passengers reportedly aided the injured pilots in landing the aircraft.

Both pilots sustained injuries but survived and are currently hospitalized; the specific identities of the assisting individuals remain unknown.

Reports, including some via CNN, suggested that one pilot was Omani and the other Emirati.

Allegations indicated that the Omani pilot stabbed the Emirati pilot, both of whom were wounded and hospitalized, with initial rumors about Russian or Ukrainian pilots later disproven.

It is standard practice for flight crew to carry multi-tools or screwdrivers in their flight bags.

Pilots conduct 'walk-arounds' to check for loose screws, and routine maintenance often involves tightening hardware during pre-flight inspections.

Roll control serves as the primary method for directing an aircraft in flight.

Rudders are primarily utilized for takeoffs, landings, and yaw control, and landing at an airport with low wind conditions reduces the need for full rudder authority.

Steering at high altitude primarily relies on roll control, while the rudder handles yaw—the movement of the nose—which is less utilized during cruise.

The rudder specifically controls yaw, which is the horizontal movement of the aircraft's nose, while roll control remains the primary steering method at higher altitudes.

The rudder is crucial for takeoff and landing maneuvers, particularly during slip-to-land approaches, to align the aircraft for touchdown.

Pilots are mandated to perform rudder authority checks as part of the landing procedure checklist to ensure its functionality before landing.

Selecting an airport with light winds significantly reduces the urgency of having full rudder control, a likely consideration for the pilot who recognized the rudder authority issue.

The presenter described the situation as a miracle because the failure was limited to the rudder, rather than a more critical flight instrument, which would have posed a greater risk.