Like a 'vertical roller coaster': Simulating flight FZ1073's sudden plunge
BA•An aviation instructor recreated flydubai flight FZ1073’s 16,000-foot plunge in about 30 seconds in a simulator; the plane was levelled and landed safely after passengers overpowered the co-pilot.
1. Descent recreated
Aviation instructor Alberto Paduanelli recreated the flight’s descent in a simulator, describing it as like a “very, very vertical roller coaster.” He said passengers who were not strapped in would have lifted from their seats as they felt negative g-force.
2. Attack on captain
The co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency crash axe during Wednesday’s flight from Dubai to Israel, the UAE prosecutor general said, calling it a “terrorist attack.” Two sources with knowledge of the investigation identified the co-pilot as Omani national Hammam al-Hammami; UAE authorities did not immediately confirm his identity.
3. Plane landed safely
Paduanelli said the autopilot disconnected before the plunge, causing the aircraft to accelerate rapidly. Passengers overpowered the co-pilot, the plane was levelled, and a reserve crew of pilots onboard landed it safely. The incident remains under investigation, flydubai said.
