Daniel Schlichter, Zvika Manes, Tal Samuel, and Asaf Rajuan, passengers on a harrowing flydubai flight, recently reunited for the first time since the incident. In an interview published on 4/10 by CBS News, they recounted the life-or-death moments they faced.

Schlichter described the plane's terrifying freefall as "the longest moment of my life". His immediate thought was of 9/11. "If we have to go, then we accept it," Schlichter recalled saying, as he clutched his wife's hand.

From left: Daniel Schlichter, Zvika Manes, Tal Samuel, and Asaf Rajuan were passengers on the flydubai flight. *Photo: CBS News.*

The Boeing 737 Max plunged vertically at nearly the speed of sound. Manes, seated in the front row with his family, likened the experience to "being on a rollercoaster".

The Omani co-pilot gravely injured the captain, attempting to seize control and intentionally crash the aircraft, which was carrying Israeli passengers. The plane plummeted approximately 4,200 meters in just seconds, putting them less than 30 seconds from disaster. The captain fought back, using his remaining strength to open the cockpit door.

As Rajuan believed death was imminent, the passengers decided they had to act. Manes described his instinct: "I saw my wife and children and knew I had to act. I turned, shifting into a fierce survival instinct, like a wild animal. I was determined that we would survive, to protect my family." Tal Samuel shared his perspective: "When witnessing that situation, everyone was like lions in a hunting state."

Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun, with bloodstains on his shirt, is welcomed at Ben Gurion airport, Israel on 30/9. *Photo: AP.*

Joined by Israeli plumber Yaniv Hayoun, they rushed toward the cockpit and subdued co-pilot Hamam al-Hamami. Manes recounted repeatedly punching the co-pilot as he resisted.

While passengers struggled with the co-pilot at the cockpit entrance, Tal Samuel noticed the cockpit was empty. He remembered sitting beside two deadheading pilots. One of these pilots had left his passenger seat. Seeing the cockpit entrance blocked by the struggle, the pilot had to jump over the crowd to reach the flight deck.

According to Rajuan, the pilot leaned over the pilot's seat, grabbed the controls, and stabilized the aircraft. Though they escaped the freefall, the captain was bleeding severely. Manes recalled them shouting to ask if there was a doctor on board.

Dentist Shota Musaev immediately provided first aid to Captain Machchhar's stab wounds on his head and hands, fearing for his life. Musaev informed the flight attendants that an immediate landing was crucial due to the severity of the situation.

The captain was quickly transported to a hospital and is now recovering. Doctor Musaev continued to stay by his brave patient's side at night. He shared that the captain's face appears whenever he closes his eyes. "I think from this moment on, we have become one big family," Musaev stated.

*Hoang Lan (According to CBS News, AP)*