October 3, 2026
Israeli passenger Yaniv Ohion, who helped thwart an attempt by a suspect to control a plane coming from Dubai, revealed the details of the critical moments inside the cockpit, stressing that he had to pull the controls himself to restore the plane’s balance during its sharp landing, using information he gained from watching a television program specializing in air disaster investigations.
Ohion’s statements came during a meeting held by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, with the passengers who participated in controlling the suspected pilot, according to a report prepared by journalist Yitzhak Abu Hasira on Israeli Channel 14.
Ohion explained that as soon as he entered the cockpit, he found one of the pilots injured and very close to the door, suggesting that he had succeeded in opening it before he lost consciousness, to which Netanyahu commented, saying: “Great behavior.” Ohayon added that the suspect was positioned above the devices located between the pilots’ seats in an attempt to sabotage them and disrupt the operation of the plane, while none of the pilots was in his seat.
Ohion continued his story, explaining that he was able, with the help of another person, to grab the assailant by the neck and drag him out of the cabin, before seeking the help of other Israeli passengers to stabilize him and prevent him from moving. He pointed out that at those moments the plane entered a sharp descent with its nose pointing downwards.
He added that he returned to the cockpit and pulled the controls back, and when Netanyahu asked him in astonishment and asked him to clarify why he did that and his knowledge of how to deal with the situation, Ohion replied with a smile: “I am watching the air disaster investigation program, Mr. Prime Minister,” which sparked laughter from the audience in the room.
Ohion concluded his testimony by noting that the plane began to gradually regain its balance as soon as he pulled the controls, until one of the pilots informed him that he would take over the command again.
