Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacks Captain With Axe Mid-Flight in Suspected Terror Attack
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the Boeing 737, in an incident UAE authorities are investigating as a suspected terrorist attack.
Kwedu News 
Source: GroundNews
Dubai, UAE — A Flydubai co-pilot allegedly attacked his captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of a Boeing 737 during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities.
The incident occurred aboard flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the pilots received medical treatment before being transferred to the UAE.
UAE Prosecutor General authorities said the co-pilot attacked Indian national Captain, Smit Machchhar, while the aircraft was in flight and allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The attack reportedly caused the Boeing 737 to plunge thousands of feet before the situation was brought under control.
Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite being injured, allowing a reserve pilot and passengers to intervene and subdue the co-pilot.
UAE authorities have described the incident as an attempted “terrorist” attack and launched an investigation into the suspect's motive, whether the incident was planned and whether he had any links to extremist groups.
Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and how the co-pilot was able to assault the captain and attempt to gain control of the aircraft.
