The safe landing of Flydubai flight FZ1073 has been described as remarkable after the aircraft reportedly went through an extreme loss of control during an attack inside the cockpit.
The Boeing 737 MAX was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe. Flight-tracking data later showed that the aircraft went into a steep dive during the incident.
According to data reported by US media, the aircraft reached a speed close to the speed of sound while descending. Flightradar24 data reportedly showed the plane reaching around Mach 0.96. The Boeing 737 MAX is normally limited to a maximum operating speed of about Mach 0.82. The exact speed and forces experienced by the aircraft will be known only after investigators examine the aircraft’s flight data recorder.
The plane also reportedly lost around 17,000 feet of altitude in just 92 seconds. Its descent angle at one stage was around 39 degrees, far steeper than the normal descent angle used during landing.
The aircraft was also reportedly subjected to forces several times greater than normal during the rapid descent. Such extreme conditions can place significant stress on the aircraft’s structure and control surfaces.
After the cockpit was brought under control, other qualified pilots on board helped operate the aircraft. However, reports indicate that the aircraft’s rudder may have suffered damage during the incident. The plane also reportedly experienced another sudden loss of altitude while making its emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft remains in Saudi Arabia. Aviation experts will need to carry out a detailed inspection of the airframe, engines, rudder and other critical components before deciding whether the Boeing 737 MAX can return to service. Investigators are also expected to examine the flight data and cockpit recordings to determine exactly what happened during the dramatic descent.
