A dramatic aviation story is making headlines after U.S. President Donald Trump recounted an unusual incident involving a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv which was landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, followed by a tussle and stabs between the pilot and Co pilot.
Speaking about the alleged incident, Trump said he had heard the story from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He stressed that he could not confirm whether the account was true.
According to Trump’s version, the flight’s co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the pilot, leaving him critically injured. As passengers reportedly panicked, an Israeli passenger stepped in to help.
The passenger was described as a plumber with no flying experience. Trump said the man, along with other passengers, managed to pull the attacker away from the pilot’s seat.
The story then took an even more unbelievable turn. Trump claimed the plumber eventually took control of the aircraft and managed to level the plane, potentially preventing a disaster.
When asked how he knew what to do, the plumber allegedly said he had learned some basics by watching the television programme Air Disasters.
Trump repeatedly presented the episode as a story he had been told by Netanyahu, rather than as a confirmed fact. It should be underlined that Netanyahu, in his tweet, praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his actions. He did not mention or praise any Israeli plumber in the post.
The bizarre tale has since attracted attention for its extraordinary details.
