Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of Attempted Terrorist Attack in Cockpit
UAE prosecutors allege co-pilot used a crash axe to attack the pilot in an attempt to hijack an Israel-bound flight.
United Arab Emirates prosecutors have stated that a flydubai co-pilot attempted a terrorist attack by using a crash axe to assault the pilot and seize control of the cockpit on an Israel-bound flight. The co-pilot, identified as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with the emergency axe, a tool typically stored in the cockpit.
The incident, deemed an attempted terrorist attack by the UAE, occurred on September 30. The flight, en route to Israel, plunged 18,000 feet before passengers intervened, subduing al-Hammami and regaining control of the aircraft.
Reports indicate that al-Hammami had previously been banned from flying by Oman due to concerns over his adoption of extremist views.
The UAE is leading the investigation into the incident.
