A Flydubai aircraft survived an unplanned descent of roughly 16,000 feet in mid-flight, an event aviation experts describe as an unusually severe stress on the airframe.

Specialists quoted in coverage of the incident expressed astonishment that the jet did not break apart during the plunge. One expert said he was "amazed it didn't come apart," reflecting the magnitude of the loads the aircraft experienced.

The incident involves a Flydubai-operated jet, the Dubai-based low-cost carrier that flies an all-Boeing 737 fleet. Details of the flight number, route, date, aircraft registration and the number of people on board were not specified in the initial report.

An uncontrolled descent of approximately 16,000 feet places significant structural and aerodynamic demands on an airframe. Exceeding designed speed and load limits during such an event can cause structural failure, which makes the aircraft's survival notable to engineers and safety specialists.

The report did not state whether the descent resulted from a system malfunction, crew action, weather or another cause. It also did not indicate whether the aircraft landed safely, whether anyone was injured, or whether an investigation has been opened.

Such events typically trigger scrutiny from regulators and the operator. If confirmed, an incident of this severity would normally prompt a review of flight data and cockpit voice recorders, an engineering inspection of the airframe for overstress damage, and possible grounding of the aircraft involved. Flydubai and its regulators have not yet commented publicly in the reported coverage.

Further detail on the aircraft's condition, the cause of the descent and any investigative action is expected as information emerges.