President Donald Trump recounted a dramatic account of Wednesday’s Flydubai incident, saying an Israeli plumber who had never flown a plane before helped stabilize the aircraft after a violent struggle in the cockpit.

Trump said he was told that the passenger, identified in reports as Israeli plumber Yaniv Hayoun, entered the cockpit after the captain was attacked and helped take control of the aircraft’s controls as the plane was rapidly descending. Other passengers and crew members reportedly restrained the attacker.

Trump says an Israeli plumber who had never flown a plane saved the Flydubai plane earlier today by “lifting up a stick.” pic.twitter.com/zNDHbbEs6f

— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 30, 2026

Speaking at the White House, Trump described the passenger’s actions:

“He took the stick. Lifted it up. And leveled out the plane before it crashed.”

Trump also explained why he believed the plumber was able to help, saying:

“When you lift pipe all day, you’re strong.”

Trump emphasized that he had not independently confirmed all the details of the account, adding:

“This is the story that I heard. I don’t know if it’s true.”

Trump said he spoke “at length” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the incident. Netanyahu has credited the passengers and crew with helping prevent a potentially catastrophic crash.