Flydubai axe attack: aircraft 30 seconds from crash in dive, relief crew praised as heroes

A Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 was reportedly 30 seconds from crashing during an uncontrolled dive after a pilot was attacked with a cockpit axe, according to a pilot trainer. The aircraft survived extreme stress, with the injured captain credited for opening the cockpit door. The incident has sparked debate over pilot screening and the use of fire axes as weapons. The alleged attacker, Hammam al-Hammami, had trained in New Zealand, prompting scrutiny of security checks. A pilot survey found 85% considered screening inefficient, while regulators said a 737 Max software glitch posed no safety risk.