A commercial flight from Dubai to Israel plunged 16,000 feet in just two minutes after a violent confrontation between its pilots on September 19, 2023. The incident unfolded in Jordanian airspace, forcing the aircraft to divert to Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.
Authorities are investigating multiple angles, including a potential hijacking attempt or a mental health crisis involving one of the pilots. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the situation, stating that the pilot who allegedly attacked the co-pilot may have attempted to crash the plane.
The flight, identified as flight 1073, was reportedly at cruising altitude when the altercation began. Eyewitness accounts are not yet available, but the rapid descent caused alarm among passengers, prompting immediate concerns for their safety.
Emergency services responded swiftly upon landing in Saudi Arabia, where all passengers were reported to be unharmed. Details remain sparse as investigations continue, with officials working to ascertain the precise nature of the incident.
This event adds to a growing list of incidents involving air travel safety, raising questions about pilot mental health and aviation protocols.
According to The Guardian.
