Omani pilot used ‘crash axe’ in cockpit to attack Captain Smit Machchhar, attempted ‘terrorist attack’: UAE
Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives and any related connections.
UAE's attorney general revealed on Saturday that the co-pilot aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted to carry out a terrorist act. The incident occurred during an emergency divert to Saudi Arabia. Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that investigations showed the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit using a crash axe and tried to seize control of the aircraft.
Further examination and analysis of physical and digital evidence are ongoing to determine the full circumstances, motives, and any potential connections to the incident. The plane, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was carrying 172 passengers and crew members. Pilot Capt. Smit Machchhar, hailed a hero, managed to overpower the co-pilot, secure assistance, and land the Boeing 737 in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, despite it plummeting 14,000 feet during the altercation.
Capt. Machchhar, who spoke to Indian Prime Minister Modi from an Abu Dhabi hospital bed in a 10-minute phone call, described his fight for survival amidst his numerous injuries. Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith praised the crew for their quick actions and thanked passengers and Saudi Arabia for their support during the emergency. A thorough official investigation is currently underway by UAE authorities and flydubai to establish the facts.
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- Co-pilot on flydubai flight 'attempted to carry out terrorist act', UAE's attorney general says thenationalnews.com
- UAE investigators say flydubai co-pilot was planning 'terrorist act' dawn.com
- Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe, UAE official says bbc.co.uk
- UAE prosecutor general says flydubai co-pilot 'attempted terrorist attack' middleeasteye.net
- Flydubai co-pilot attempted terror attack during flight, UAE says english.ajel.sa
- UAE investigators say flydubai co-pilot was planning 'terrorist act' lemonde.fr
