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UAE prosecutor general says Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe
The UAE prosecutor general said the co-pilot of an Israel-bound Flydubai aircraft attacked the pilot with a crash axe while trying to take control of the plane.
The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said the co-pilot of a Flydubai aircraft traveling to Israel attacked the pilot with a crash axe. He said the attack was an attempt to take control of the aircraft.
The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was carrying more than 170 people when it plunged some 17,000 feet, two and a half hours into the journey. Passengers then overpowered the attacker and took control of the plane.
Capt. Smit Machchhar said he was lying injured on the floor when he realized the aircraft was sinking and he needed to act. He described making one last push to open the cockpit door from inside, allowing passengers to enter.
A crash axe is usually kept in the cockpit for use in emergencies.
The UAE attorney general said investigations were continuing to establish the full circumstances and motives of the incident.
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Flydubai suspends Dubai–Tel Aviv flights during investigation
Flydubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv while conducting its own investigation into the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a man stabbed his fellow pilot and tried to take over a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The Flydubai aircraft plunged more than 17,000ft (5,200m) two hours into its journey on Wednesday. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and regained control before the aircraft landed safely.
The co-pilot is being questioned in Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made an emergency landing. UAE officials say they have jurisdiction over the incident because the aircraft is registered there and operates under their country's flag.
Israeli airlines including El Al, Israir and Arkia said they planned to operate rescue flights from Dubai starting on Friday to bring stranded passengers back.
Israel's Transportation Ministry also said it had sent an urgent request to Etihad Airlines to increase the number of flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.
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Australia investigates Flydubai co-pilot's links to the country
Australian authorities are investigating the links between Australia and a Flydubai co-pilot who attempted to take control of an aircraft traveling to Israel. The inquiry concerns his connections to the country.
The investigation involves state police and the country's security agency. An update will be provided at an appropriate time, authorities said, without setting a specific time for releasing further information.
The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September, carrying more than 170 passengers to Israel.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Passengers subsequently overpowered him and managed to regain control of the aircraft.
The UAE's attorney general, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said on Saturday that investigations were under way to establish the circumstances and motives of the incident, as well as any related links.
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