{
  "id": 11899839,
  "title": "Like a ’vertical roller coaster’: Simulating flight FZ1073’s sudden plunge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/like-a-vertical-roller-coaster-simulating-flight-fz1073s-sudden-plunge",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T10:07:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/like-a-vertical-roller-coaster-simulating-flight-fz1073s-sudden-plunge-4930921"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Flight FZ1073 descended 16,000 feet in 30 seconds",
    "Co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami attacked pilot with crash axe",
    "Simulated descent showed strain on Boeing 737 MAX 8"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Like a 'vertical roller coaster': Simulating flight FZ1073's sudden plunge",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/like-a-vertical-roller-coaster-simulating-flight-fz1073s-sudden-plunge-11908179",
        "published": "2026-10-04T10:46:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}