Like a ’vertical roller coaster’: Simulating flight FZ1073’s sudden plunge

On October 4, Flydubai's flight FZ1073 experienced a sudden 16,000-foot (4,877 meters) descent over a period of 30 seconds before regaining level and safely landing. This incident, which involved the co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami attacking the pilot with an emergency crash axe, has been described by an aviation instructor as feeling like a "vertical roller coaster."

Alberto Paduanelli, owner of ALPA Simulation, recreated the descent in a flight simulator for Reuters to demonstrate the immense strain placed on the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and its passengers during such a rapid drop. The co-pilot's actions were allegedly a terrorist attack, although UAE authorities have yet to confirm his identity.

Passengers who were not restrained by seatbelts would have been significantly affected by the negative G-force during the plunge. The incident highlights the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft's impressive structural design and engineering capabilities, according to US President Donald Trump, who praised the plane's ability to withstand extreme G-forces and strain.