In 2016, a man boarded Daallo Airlines Flight 159 carrying a dangerous device hidden inside a laptop . His plan depended on precise timing —it was meant to activate at high altitude, where pressure differences could cause maximum damage.
Before takeoff, he convinced another passenger to swap seats so he could sit by the window , believing it would make his plan more effective. But an unexpected delay changed everything.
Because the flight departed late, the timing no longer matched the aircraft’s altitude. Instead of going off at cruising height, it activated much earlier—while the plane was still climbing at a lower altitude .
The blast created a hole in the aircraft’s side, but the impact was far less severe than intended due to lower pressure. Instead of widespread damage, the force remained limited.
Tragically, the man who carried out the act was pulled out through the opening he created . Despite the situation, the pilots stayed calm and safely landed the aircraft .
Out of everyone on board, he was the only person who lost his life.
In 2016, a man boarded Daallo Airlines Flight 159 carrying a dangerous device hidden inside a laptop . His plan depended on precise timing —it was meant to activate at high altitude, where pressure differences could cause maximum damage.
Before takeoff, he convinced another passenger to swap seats so he could sit by the window , believing it would make his plan more effective. But an unexpected delay changed everything.
Because the flight departed late, the timing no longer matched the aircraft’s altitude. Instead of going off at cruising height, it activated much earlier—while the plane was still climbing at a lower altitude .
The blast created a hole in the aircraft’s side, but the impact was far less severe than intended due to lower pressure. Instead of widespread damage, the force remained limited.
Tragically, the man who carried out the act was pulled out through the opening he created . Despite the situation, the pilots stayed calm and safely landed the aircraft .
Out of everyone on board, he was the only person who lost his life.