Injured Captain Helps Save Flydubai Flight After Alleged Cockpit Attack

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A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an alleged confrontation between the two pilots caused the aircraft to rapidly lose altitude. The airline said flight FZ1073 was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members when the incident occurred. Flight-tracking data reportedly showed the Boeing 737 MAX descending by more than 14,000 feet before control was restored. Saudi authorities are investigating claims that the first officer attacked Captain Smit Machchhar. The captain, who was injured, said he helped open the cockpit door so crew members and passengers could restrain the alleged attacker. Additional pilots travelling on the flight then assisted in regaining control. The aircraft landed safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk. Investigators have not yet established the cause or motive behind the alleged attack.

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