Plummeting Israel flight like 'rollercoaster', says passenger

A commercial flight traveling toward Israel plummeted thousands of feet following a violent confrontation in the cockpit before the aircraft was safely diverted, according to passenger accounts reported by the BBC.

Flight FZ1073 suddenly dropped approximately 17,000 feet, or about 5,200 meters, within a span of less than two minutes. The steep plunge occurred after a pilot reportedly attacked and stabbed the co-pilot while the aircraft was in the air.

One of the travelers on board, identified as Almog Itali, described the severe drop as feeling like a "rollercoaster" during an interview with the BBC detailing the harrowing event.

The dangerous descent was halted after passengers intervened to help regain control of the situation inside the aircraft. According to accounts from people on the flight, several passengers stepped in during the mid-air crisis.

In addition to the passenger intervention, two off-duty pilots who had been seated toward the rear of the cabin moved forward to take charge of the flight deck. They were able to stabilize the aircraft and manage the controls.

Following the mid-flight emergency, the plane was diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Investigations and official reviews typically follow severe onboard security and safety incidents of this nature.