President Donald Trump said Thursday he thinks Iran may be behind the violent takeover of a FlyDubai airliner on its way from the UAE to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Trump said the U.S. is investigating that angle and his gut says it’s true. “I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now,” Trump told reporters. He refused to elaborate on the evidence gathered to date but he did say that if it turns out to be true the U.S. will retaliate. “Oh they’ll be hit, very hard, don’t worry.”
Meanwhile new details have emerged about the incident involving the FlyDubai Boeing 737-8. The drama began when the first officer stabbed Capt. Smit Machchhar, who fought off his right seat attacker and managed to open the locked flight deck door so other crew and passengers could help out. The FO was subdued but the plane was in a dive at near Mach speed before passenger Yaniv Hayun, who was reportedly an airplane buff but not a pilot, yanked the FO out of his seat and grabbed the controls. The Israeli plumber managed to level the plane with knowledge gained from watching a Canadian television program called Mayday, which reenacts airliner crashes. “I jumped back in there, grabbed the controls, started pulling the controls,” Hayun told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a televised meeting between the two. Two off-duty pilots took the controls after that and landed the plane in Tabuk in western Saudi Arabia. Here’s a subtitled excerpt from the interview.
The aircraft lost most of its rudder in the dive. There were some reports that the FO initiated the dive and deliberately tried to damage the rudder. According to Hayun, he was also trying to damage the controls to prevent recovery from the dive. FlyDubai sent an airplane to Tabuk to pick up the passengers after Saudi Arabia denied Israel’s request to send a military or civilian aircraft there to get them. Passengers insisted the replacement crew be checked out before they boarded the rescue flight and the Mossad cleared them. The FlightAware track log is below, showing the altitude drop.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the incident was “an attempted jihadist terror attack” and credited passengers with stepping up to subdue the attacker. According to CNN he did not offer any evidence the attack was terrorism. The incident was originally described as a hijacking but that term has not been used in more recent accounts. The flight did squawk a 7500 transponder code which is for a hijacking. The violence occurred as the aircraft neared Tel Aviv about 8:30 a.m. local time.
A photo of the aircraft shows most of the rudder missing. A mach number of nearly .90 was recorded as well.
I always heard that 737 pilots never miss a piece of tail.
Not unknown for large transports to lose a considerable portion of their vertical tail and still land. IIRC, that happened to a Concorde in Australia, and of course, this famous shot of a B-52. Both airplanes landed safely.
I couldn’t find anywhere how the plane recovered from a steep dive and landed safely with a stabbed captain and a subdued FO. Passenger/pilot?
This event will predictably add another brick in the wall, so to speak, to the endless love of hate in the Middle East.
Early reports says there were two dead-heading crew members on board that took over flying the aircraft.
The (plumber) passenger — who was the first person to go into the cockpit — had the presence of mind to get into the Captain’s seat and pull back on the yoke. He said he ‘saw it on TV’ when he met Benjamin Netanyahu. Other pax subdued the FO and a dead heading crew took over. Worth noting, the Captain himself is a hero for having the presence of mind to unlock the cockpit door while being assaulted and severely injured. Had that not occurred, there’d be a vastly different ending to this story. As it is, everything that needed to go right … did.
Yeah thanks Larry and Kirk, am caught up now.
The best of us shown in this emergency, eh!
Maybe that brick won’t get placed after all…
One thing; the Saudis have no qualms about water-boarding and will get to the bottom of it. Better, they should just hand the pilot over to the Mossad.
If we have reached a point where the “nanny state” do gooders can no longer ensure the safety of citizenry in open public transport then public safety devolves to personal security. So, where do we go from here?
You think the government of Dubai is a nanny state??
Not necessarily. My point is that with the regulation by states and I.C.A.O that effective screening of aircrew leaves areas of concern considering mental stability, considered crew pairing and onboard security. Perhaps the lead cabin crew member needs to be trained and tough enough to handle a situation like this when cockpit crew have bio-breaks as well as have access to the flight deck in extremis. Either an air marshal or this lead cabin crew would place themselves in the cockpit for regular pilot breaks and be aware of cabin and cockpit security. It would not have stopped this attack but could have made a significant contribution to a recovery and safe conclusion to this terrorist attack. In addition camera surveillance of cockpit, cabin, cargo and baggage areas as well as locking overhead bins would increase security. If we do nothing the possibility of this recurring slowly increases as global and religious tensions rise. When you can buy wireless security systems with multiple cameras for a few hundred bucks it’s silly not to take advantage of this. Perhaps the Captain needs to be armed if nothing else happens to add to security.
Just to poke the bear: “Perhaps the Captain needs to be armed “
But what if the Captain’s the terrorist ?
I have questions over this current narrative, which now appears as one of many evolving narratives.
How do you lose almost 17,000 feet in 29 seconds? That’s 35,172 FPM plunge. The push over from level flight at 34,000 feet would pin everyone and everything not strapped in or down to the ceiling pulling a huge amount of negative G’s. Then you would be going virtually straight down, gaining speed against a trimmed airplane for level flight requiring super human strength against the control column on the initial pushover and holding it as it picks up speed… further increasing control column pressure. All of this happening while the FO is stabbing the Captain. Then the Captain, after being pinned to the overhead panel, in the middle of being stabbed multiple times, manages to open the cabin door, allowing the formerly pinned to the ceiling Plumber, the formerly pinned to the ceiling Dentist, and two formerly pinned to the ceiling deadheading pilots, somehow manage to get off the ceiling, slam down into their seats as the airplane is now plummeting vertically, with all four having the presence of mind to simultaneously…within less than 29 seconds… manage to move forward to the cockpit in order of the Plumber, followed by the Dentist, followed by two deadheading pilots…subdue the FO…with a Plumber aka Bob Hoover grabbing the yoke, pulling back on the yoke, and not yank the wings off the airplane. In the meantime within this less than 29 second rollercoaster ride, the deadhead crew manages to subdue the FO, remove the FO, remove a bleeding, seriously wounded Captain from the cockpit…and then climb into the saddle to land the airplane. with Plumber, Dentist, and other un-named passengers wrapping the FO in headset cables to prevent further cockpit/cabin mayhem.
Most inflight break ups result in loss of control, overspeed of the airframe, and overstressing the airplane as the airplane seeks its level flight trim speed which can happen in a split second. Tom Turner of ABS fame teaches what must be done in those high speed, past VNE dives is PUSH FORWARD on the yoke IMMEDIATLY…rather than pull back.
That airplane sure went down fast, over sped the airframe enough to induce rudder flutter, shredding most of it. But would be scattered all over Saudi Arabia in the milliseconds it takes for the nose to come up when even the slightest pressure on the yoke is released rather than a successful pull out by a heroic Plumber. This narrative has a boatload of Bravo Sierra all over it.
Serveral ‘inconsistant’ reports on its actual descent-rate from mutiple ‘sources’ (Surprise!) But so far it would seem to be aprox 14,000 ft in just under 30 seconds. (and that assumes without the ‘Boards’ being out!) Either way, your queries /points are “dead-on-balls-accurate” (did see the Film, didn’t you?) and valid.
An aside: You appear to be someone I could actually have a beer (or two) with.
‘Correction’ …Actually, an enlarged-viewing of the FlightAware Track-Log graphic (above) would seem to indicate aprox 15,000 in just under 12 minutes? A very ‘leisurely’ 1300 fpm?
TY BMD…When and where for a couple of brewski’s…I am located in NC Arkansas.
As this supposed wild, aerobatic 737 Max narrative continues to evolve additional cast members are introduced.
1. As I, you, and others have since noted, IF…IF…IF the Flight Aware data showing has not been altered in some way (you make the call)…the track log shows a relatively normal descent of about 1300 fpm over a 12 minute span while the vertical graph shows the alleged, intentional pushover to near vertical back to level flight… ( with amazing vertical to level Plumber aka Bob Hoover II aviating skills rivaling Sean Tucker)… the aerobatic 737 version of a 14,000 to 17,000 foot descent in 29 seconds.
2. Two fully armed Israeli F-15’s (unlike unarmed US F-16’s on 9/11/2001 intercepting hijacked US airliners)… joined up in formation while the FlyDubai 737 circled in a bit of a holding pattern while Israel and Saudi Arabian “leadership” decided when and where this amazingly stout 737 was to land allowing Plumber/Dentist/deadhead crew and passengers to change most assuredly, heavily soiled underwear and tidied up a bit… eventually landing at Tabuk Airport for a relaxed tarmac party complete with food, drink, medical, and psychiatric assistance. See Captain Steeve’s video of his conversation/interview with Israeli passenger, Amazon AI expert Opher Dubrovsky’s eye witness account.
3. Instead of allowing an Israeli C-130 to pick up tidied up yet stranded passengers…(why not an EL AL fully equipped airliner instead of paratrooping level comfort C-130 accommodations…c’mon Bibi, you can do better than a noisy, drafty military transport)…Saudi Arabian authorities insisted it would be an identical FlyDubia 737 with another crew consisting of a Ukrainian F/O and Australian Captain. According to the very composed Opher, the passengers, Plumber/Dentist/deadhead crew had some fears at this point about crew choices of FlyDubai Airlines (See Captain Steeve’s video)…but still obediently climbed aboard. I think the platitudes described by Opher for the Saudi’s outstanding reception and empathy for these disheveled Israeli passengers played a key role in allying the passengers trepidation.
4. The repeatedly stabbed, bloodied Indian Captain along with his Omanian alleged attacker were then flown all the way back to the UAE for medical care in a now third airplane of unknown make/model/ownership within this narrative….where we already have been assured the heroic Indian Captain will fully recover at the same time investigating the knife wielding Omanian F/O….Seriously?
5. Subsequent Tel Aviv video of Bibi, tenderly, embracing, and caressing the Plumber aka Bob Hoover II, still in his bloodied plumber t-shirt ( I am sure this is his normal airline attire minus the blood) upon his arrival and subsequent, immediat Israeli global press conference including questions and answer period with both the Plumber aka Bob Hoover II and Bibi. I thought the press coverage was lacking for the passengers, the Dentist, and the deadhead crew…especially since Opher Dubrovsky’s over the top, glowing description of the deadhead crew’s absolute greaser of a landing at Tabuk…the very best he and the passengers have EVER experienced. Kudo’s to the FlyDubai deadhead crew (of unknown nationalities)! And to the Aussie and Ukrainian crew who did likewise at Tel Aviv. Maybe the inevitable FlyDubai Customer Satisfaction Survey online survey will be graded reasonably good with two back to back greasers. Opher did mention he personally commended the deadhead crew of their greaser at Tabuk especially. (See Captain Steeeve’s video)
Let’s analyse a bit. We have two Commander in Chief’s who are going to have upcoming elections that ultimately determines if one stay’s out of jail after October 27, 2026 with the other remaining Commander in Chief enduring the opposition party attempts to litigate him out of office, ultimately ending up in jail either before his term ends, during his 2 year remaining term, or after his reign. That election follows on Nov. 3,2026. One has a warrant out for his arrest by the UN as a war criminal, already indicted for corruption and fraud internally in Israel. The other convicted of a variety of 34 felony counts before assuming office for his second/Current term plus another 24 accusations (allegedly) of sexual assault on minors and adult women.
Both worked together, coordinating military assets, sharing intelligence, and launching a war of choice against Iran. Their collective choice of targets for re-opening the war on Feb.28,2026 was a 7-12 year old girl’s school in Minab, the top political/military leaders of Iran in Tehran who was openly meeting, discussing the ongoing, latest US peace plan offering/negotiations resulting from the first coordinated attack and war on Iran in July of 2025. Then 30 minutes after killing most of Iran’s political and military leadership, attacking a teen age girl’s volley ball squad practicing at school nearby the Ayatollah’s residence. Iran responded resulting in defeating the combined efforts of the Israel, US, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the Kurds in northern Iraq. Israel and US citizens not happy with outcome so far. Aside from all the killing, what has had the most impact on the disappointed collective citizenry is the cost of living due to closing of the Strait of Hormuz and access to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Added this dissatisfaction is a huge contingent of US sailors aboard the various strike groups assembled now in the Indian ocean very unhappy on their living conditions…who also vote.
So, aviation, the heart of AvBrief, seems to be the next venue for a false flag attempt. One or both of these very desperate Commanders in Chief, needs a false flag event to “rally” its highly disappointed citizenry around their respective flags to affect a patriotic election response. So far, Germany , with equally dismal leadership, was “besieged” by three hobby drones that one bounced off an airplane, the second was kicked in mid air by a heroic, alert bus driver who happened to be on an airport ramp with a bus around a cargo airplane not known for its passenger capacity. The third found its way into a field which was found by accident almost a month later. Of course, a Russian attack.
The second aviation event was “five guys” around an American bomber on a joint RAF/USAF base which were apprehended, with terrorist links “believed” to be, of course, Iranian. Yet, all released on bail. Yeah, go to a highly surveilled AF base supporting a war to slink around looking for a diesel powered vehicle to smuggle diesel fuel from. And the UK has a habit of releasing “terrorists”.
And now the FlyDubai, cockpit attack, trying to make a 737 a lawn dart carrying 174, mostly Israeli passengers…IF you believe that Flight Aware data…or if you don’t, you might consider that rudder being potentially damaged by the F-15 escort following the track log data. I am sure Israel, the UAE, the government of Dubai, and of course Boeing with the US government will provide the CVR and the FDR data in its original, unredacted, unmolested form. I am sure predictive military AI will come up with all sorts of bloody cockpit pictures to support the narrative…Iran is so desperate they will go to insanely stupid tricks to get Israel to attack themselves forsaking their own technology that can hit any target within 2500 kilometers with impunity including US carriers and the F-35. Yeah, sure.
In all of these three cases, rank amature, with bizarre participation to gin up a false flag attack against “enemies” that have already defeated the combined West military. Fortunately, these attempts has not killed anyone…YET. But we have a month of October surprises to look forward to regarding two elections for the two most unpopular human beings on the planet, that will both go to jail if their intended election results fail to materialize. Both have nuclear capabilities if all else fails. Sleep tight America. WE are the only ones who have used them. And our fearless Leader has been talking a bunch about annihilating 91 million plus people whose civilization has been on this planet for over 6500 years.
Let me know if you still want to tip a couple of beers together.
Appreciate the ‘Offer’ Sir! …but afraid we’re quite a bit of a distance from one-another, as my primary address is in Pennsylvania, with a secondary one in Colorado.
However …as I do regularly bounce back’n-forth (mostly via ‘Crew-Car’) several times a year, perhaps a small enroute ‘deviation’ might be arranged to facilitate such an excursion!?
Thank you for a great example of critical thinking. I have had similar thoughts. let us also add that though this is Dubai airline flying from Dubai with what has been reported, uncertainty about the pilot’s nationality (one report had at least one being from Oz), and the only connection to Israel was “the plumber” and its destination, yet … yet …
Iran did it (Israel connection)
It’s terrorism (Israel connection)
The Israeli saved the day (obvious)
when most of the people on that plane, granted not all, were not Israeli’s.
Talk about Bibi milking this propaganda piece to try and save his campaign.
I also would question that a plumber watching a TV show has the wherewithal mindset to “calmly” take control of a plunging airliner (At over 27,000 f/m) and level it out with minimal deviation?
BTW, I can think of at least three previous moments where a flight crew member took over an airplane to commit suicide, but sure, let’s go terrorism because it happened on DubaiAir. (A 4th unsuccessful attempt was (gasp) a US airplane, but no terrorist there, just a really mind altered pilot)
I’ll be curious to see if a transcript of the CVR will be made (doubtful, “Oh my somehow the recording got <fill in the blank>) and data from the FDR will be made public (same as CVR) or both will be suppressed because, you know, Iran did it so National Security.
I am grateful the plane did not crash, that over a hundred people did not lose their lives. The rest…theater.
Too many false assumptions to even address there.
You may be a historian, but apparently not a pilot. Your understanding of flight dynamics is sorely lacking.
I own, fly, and maintain a first Gen Bonanza. I have built two homebuilts. Still fly RC, free flight models since 1965. Am an A&P, Private Pilot, and tailwheel proficient. 9 years Naval Aviation including cat shots and traps. I guess you could say I have some airplane experience. Maybe not enough for your satisfaction but I do know how airplanes fly.
In FlightAware, look at the Flight Track Log rather than the graph. From 01:21:17 AM to 01:32:05 AM (about 11 minutes), the airplane descended from 33,725 ft to 15,250 ft (18,475 ft). That’s 1680 fpm. Nothing like the crazy numbers that have been endlessly repeated in the press. During that 11 minute period, FlightAware notes that the location is “Estimated”. Hopefully there is an entity similar to NTSB that will analyze actual flight data and publish conclusions based on facts.
Russ – appreciate your work here, but please don’t quote a known, serial liar – Donald Trump – and his speculation. Of course he’d say Iran is behind the attack, he’s desperate for justification of a war he’s losing. We’ll eventually learn more, but in the meantime can we stick to the established information & the heroics of the crew & passengers.
I thought it was Joe Biden’s fault?
Regarding the descent pinning everyone to the ceiling… That is possible if it were a straight push-over, but if done from a bank, as we do for emergency descents, there may not have been any “upward” G’s felt at all. Even if it were a push-over, after the initial “upward cabin” g’s, the airplane would settle into stabilized descent with the nose down, gravity helping to push folks toward the cockpit. The airplane would continue to accelerate until aerodynamic induced damage occurred, such as losing a rudder…By the way, a typical emergency descent in the airplane I fly (with speed brakes out) will easily peg the Vertical Speed Indicator at 6,000 feet per minute and probably reaching up to 10,000 feet per minute when the airspeed is held at redline…and that is staying within all design limitations.
So… With that proposed single pilot aircrew, this incident would not have happened at all or it would have succeeded in it’s awful mission. But which outcome…?
There’s a lot of things that don’t add up here if we are getting anything even close to the truth.