UAE investigates cockpit assault on Flydubai flight
The prosecutor general says a co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe. Authorities say the incident’s circumstances and possible motives remain under investigation.
The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general says a Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The UAE is investigating the incident and its possible motives.
The aircraft reportedly plunged about 17,000 feet roughly two and a half hours into the journey. It signalled a general emergency, then a code for unlawful interference, according to the account.
Machchhar said he was injured and lying on the floor when he realised the aircraft was descending. He managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and subdue the co-pilot.
Passenger accounts describe people rushing towards the cockpit as the plane dropped sharply. Accounts differ on how passengers helped regain control; one passenger said he pulled the controls before another pilot took over.
Two reserve pilots landed the aircraft in Saudi Arabia. Machchhar was taken to hospital and later transferred to Abu Dhabi; he was reported to be in stable condition.
The UAE says it is investigating whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity or purpose. Claims about the co-pilot’s motive remain attributed statements, not established findings.
