FlyDubai plane attack by co-pilot was an attempted 'terrorist' act, UAE says
The FlyDubai co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the UAE prosecutor general said.
TL;DR
- UAE Attorney-General stated the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act, attacking the captain with a crash axe to take control of the aircraft.
- The incident occurred on FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
- The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia after passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot.
- UAE officials emphasized the ongoing struggle with extremism and the danger of hate speech justifying terrorism.
- The injured pilot was identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, and a passenger, Yaniv Hayun, was credited with helping to subdue the attacker.
- Flight data showed extreme altitude fluctuations and a 'general emergency' squawk code.