Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates Public Prosecution has said that the co-pilot of a Flydubai passenger flight attacked the captain inside the cockpit with an emergency crash axe and then attempted to take control of the aircraft.
According to the UAE Prosecutor General, the incident has been classified by authorities as an attempted “terrorist” attack. The statement was reported by the UAE state news agency WAM and comes as investigators continue examining the circumstances and motive behind the incident.
The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The aircraft was carrying 182 people 174 passengers and eight crew members when the cockpit incident occurred.
Captain Attacked Inside Cockpit
- The UAE Prosecutor General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
- A crash axe is emergency equipment normally kept inside an aircraft cockpit for use during situations such as an accident or emergency.
- Earlier investigations by Saudi authorities had established that the captain was assaulted by the co-pilot and that both pilots suffered injuries.
Passengers and Crew Helped Stop the Attack
- During the incident, the aircraft reportedly entered a steep descent. The captain, despite being injured, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene.
- Passengers and crew members restrained the co-pilot, while other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped stabilise the flight.
- The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar Injured
- The captain has been identified as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national. He sustained injuries during the cockpit assault and was initially treated in Saudi Arabia before being transferred to the UAE.
- Indian authorities said he was in stable condition and recovering.
Investigation Continues
- The UAE Public Prosecution said the investigation is examining the circumstances of the incident, the motives involved and any possible connections. Investigators are also examining physical and digital evidence and whether there was any prior planning or direction.
- The UAE had initially launched an investigation to determine whether the incident involved terrorist activity or intent. The latest statement from the Prosecutor General represents a significant development in that investigation.
- Reports identifying the co-pilot as an Omani national have circulated through multiple media organisations, but UAE authorities had not immediately confirmed his identity in the Reuters report. The investigation into his background, motives and possible connections remains ongoing.
