Passengers Describe Terrifying 17,000‑ft Drop on Commercial Flight

Thu Oct 01 2026 06:23:52 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A commercial plane plummeted 17,000 feet in under two minutes after a pilot allegedly stabbed his co‑pilot, prompting passengers to call the experience a ‘rollercoaster’.

A passenger on flight FZ1073 reported that the aircraft suddenly lost 17,000 feet in less than two minutes during a routine flight to Israel, an event the pilot allegedly caused by stabbing his co‑pilot. The sudden descent rattled passengers, self‑described as a rollercoaster ride, leading to chaos on board. Several passengers claimed they took control, while two other pilots at the rear stepped forward to land the aircraft in Saudi Arabia. The incident has sparked an investigation into crew conduct and safety procedures on the route.

Passengers Describe Terrifying 17,000‑ft Drop on Commercial Flight

A passenger on flight FZ1073 recounted a sudden, catastrophic drop of 17,000 feet in under two minutes while the aircraft was en route to Israel. According to the account, the crash occurred after a pilot allegedly stabbed his co‑pilot.

The intruder’s actions allegedly plunged the jet out of the sky, causing the cockpit to “feel like a rollercoaster.” Passengers described hearing the intense tug of the plane’s descent as it fell at an alarming speed.

In a bid to regain control, several passengers took an active role on the flight, while two other pilots seated toward the rear of the aircraft stepped forward to bring the jet down safely. The aircraft ultimately diverted to a Saudi Arabian airfield, where the crew managed to land without loss of life.

Investigation teams have been called to interview crew and passengers, examining the circumstances that led to the incident. Aviation authorities are also reviewing crew training protocols and the security measures on the route to ensure such incidents can be prevented in the future.

The incident underscores the profound risks of pilot misconduct and the vital importance of rapid response by crew and passengers in safeguarding flight safety.