Why copilot attacked captain of Israel-bound flight remains unknown
JERUSALEM — Investigators worked Thursday to determine why an Omani pilot stabbed the captain of a flight to Israel, causing the plane to plummet dangerously before others on board landed it in Saudi Arabia. Passengers on the FlyDubai plane — which was carrying 174 people, mostly Israelis, from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv — have described how the bloodied Indian captain managed to open…
Jerusalem — On Thursday, investigators were working to uncover the reason behind an incident on a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel, where the Omani pilot allegedly stabbed the captain, leading to a dangerous plummet before the plane was safely landed in Saudi Arabia. The FlyDubai aircraft, carrying 174 passengers primarily Israelis from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, described by passengers as a harrowing experience, involved the bloodied Indian captain managing to open the cockpit door, allowing them to enter and assist in stabilizing the plane's rapid descent, which was so severe that the rudder was ripped away.
One passenger, Asaf Rajuan, shared with Israel’s presidency that during the ordeal, they felt helpless and suspended mid-air, emphasizing that it was a matter of instinct for survival. A regional official, familiar with the ongoing investigation, confirmed the suspect, an Omani national, is currently in custody and disclosed that Saudi authorities are collaborating with nations including Israel to determine the motive.
The UAE, the United States, and Oman are also participating in the investigation. Authorities are exploring various scenarios ranging from terrorism to mental instability as potential motives.
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- Why copilot attacked captain of Israel-bound flight remains unknown koreatimes.co.kr
