Open-Data Timeline & Telemetry Analysis: Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Incident
Disclaimer: This document serves as an independent, non-partisan open-data registry for the Flydubai Flight FZ1073 incident. It synthesizes verified ADS-B transponder telemetry, flight dynamics profiles, passenger testimonies, and multi-agency regulatory statements into a Single Source of Truth for safety analysts and investigators.
| Attribute |
Recorded Detail |
Source / Verification Level |
| Flight Identifiers |
Flydubai FZ1073 / FDB1073 |
Flight Manifest / ADS-B Transponder |
| Aircraft Registration |
A6-FKF |
Mode S ICAO 24-Bit Address |
| Aircraft Model |
Boeing 737 MAX 8 |
Manufacturer / Airworthiness Registry |
| Flight Route |
Dubai (DXB) → Tel Aviv (TLV) |
Filed Flight Plan |
| Passengers & Crew Onboard |
180 (174 Passengers, 6 Crew) |
Saudi GACA & Airport Operational Logs |
| Emergency Diversion Airfield |
Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU / OETB) |
ATC Emergency Clearance Logs |
| Investigation Authorities |
Saudi Arabia GACA, UAE GCAA, NTSB, ICAO |
Multi-Agency Regulatory Statements |
2. Technical Telemetry & Flight Dynamics
| Telemetry Parameter |
Recorded Metric / Parameter |
Aviation Context & Verification Status |
| Cruising Altitude |
~34,000 ft (FL340) |
Nominal pressure altitude prior to event onset |
| Altitude Delta ($\Delta h$) |
~14,000–19,000 ft drop |
High-rate uncommanded descent profile |
| Descent Duration |
~30 seconds |
ADS-B Pitch/Altitude telemetry log |
| Peak Descent Rate |
Exceeding -14,000 ft/min |
Transonic dive profile recorded by Flightradar24 |
| Transponder Squawk Sequence |
7700 (05:32 UTC) $\rightarrow$ 7500 (05:39 UTC) |
Mode S Emergency & Unlawful Interference Signals |
| Level-Off & Stabilization |
~15,000 ft (FL150) |
Manual yoke recovery & pitch stabilization |
| Structural Impact Observed |
Upper rudder structural separation |
Inspection post-touchdown at Tabuk (TUU) |
3. Event Sequence Chronology
| UTC Time Marker |
Phase / Action |
Key Actors Involved |
Location / Operational Status |
| 03:05 UTC |
Departure: Flight departs Dubai International Airport. |
Flight Crew |
Nominal climb to FL340 |
| 05:21 UTC |
Assault Onset: First officer attacks Captain; forces yoke down. |
First Officer, Captain Machchar |
Flight Deck (Locked) |
| 05:22 UTC |
Uncommanded Dive: Aircraft drops >14,000 ft in ~30 seconds. |
Avionics / Controls |
High-speed descent initiated |
| 05:23 UTC |
Door Release: Captain engages emergency door release. |
Captain Machchar |
Flight Deck Mechanism |
| 05:24 UTC |
Cabin Intervention: Passengers & off-duty pilots breach cockpit. |
Yaniv Hayun, Crew & Passengers |
Flight Deck / Forward Cabin |
| 05:32 UTC |
Emergency Signal: Mode S Transponder broadcasts Squawk 7700. |
Deadheading Pilots / Avionics |
International Airspace |
| 05:33 UTC |
Flight Level Stabilized: Yoke pulled back; altitude levels at FL150. |
Deadheading Pilots & Passengers |
Pitch recovery achieved |
| 05:39 UTC |
Hijack Signal: Transponder updated to Squawk 7500. |
Avionics / Crew |
Regional ATC Notification |
| 06:45 UTC |
Emergency Landing: Safe touchdown executed at Tabuk (TUU). |
Off-Duty Pilots & Saudi ATC |
Tabuk Airport (OETB / TUU) |
4. Source Verification & Forensic Matrix
| Claim / Detail |
Status |
Evidence Type |
Primary Source |
| Rapid Altitude Loss (>14,000 ft) |
🟢 Verified |
ADS-B Transponder Telemetry |
Flightradar24 / RadarBox Logs |
| Cockpit Door Override & Entry |
🟢 Verified |
Eyewitness & Official Statements |
Captain Machchar & Passenger Testimony |
| Transponder Squawk 7700 & 7500 |
🟢 Verified |
Mode S Transponder Broadcasts |
ATC / Flightradar24 Logs |
| Rudder Structural Damage |
🟢 Verified |
Post-Landing Inspection Photos |
Runway Inspection at Tabuk (TUU) |
| Black Box Forensic Analysis |
🟡 In Progress |
CVR & FDR Laboratory Audit |
Joint GACA / UAE GCAA Investigation |
| Media Group / Sphere |
Core Narrative & Focus |
Primary Analytical Angle |
| Israeli Media |
Passenger intervention & security response |
Eyewitness accounts of Yaniv Hayun & passengers |
| Gulf / Arab Media |
Regional ATC coordination & safety protocols |
Saudi GACA emergency handling & Flydubai briefs |
| Western Tech / Aviation |
ADS-B telemetry, structural load limits & door engineering |
Flight envelope mechanics, aerodynamic stress, and door override systems |
6. References & Primary Sources
Telemetry & Flight Tracking Data
Official Regulatory & Government Statements
- Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA): Press releases on emergency diversion protocols and Tabuk Regional Airport landing clearances.
- Flydubai Corporate Communications: Official statements regarding safety protocols and crew/passenger status.
Verified Witness Accounts & Investigative Reporting
- Primary Testimony: Statements by passenger Yaniv Hayun regarding in-cabin response and flight deck intervention.
- International Media Coverage:
- Reuters / AP: International coverage on flight deck incident protocols and flight trajectory analysis.
- BBC News / CNN: Analytical coverage of cockpit security mechanisms and multi-jurisdictional investigation status.