The UAE prosecutor says the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the Israel-bound flydubai aircraft.
UAE authorities have said the co-pilot of flydubai Flight FZ1073 attempted to carry out a terrorist act after attacking Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and trying to take control of the aircraft.
Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, Attorney-General of the UAE, said investigations into the September 30 incident had established that the co-pilot began executing the plan during the flight.
According to the Attorney-General, the co-pilot assaulted Machchhar inside the flight deck with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft’s flight controls.
The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. It was later diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority had initially described the incident as a security incident and said its circumstances were under investigation.
Investigation into motives continues.
The UAE Attorney-General said the investigation remains underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident, including the motives behind the attack and any associated links.
Authorities are also conducting technical examinations and analysing physical and digital evidence as part of the inquiry.
The final findings will be announced after the necessary investigative procedures have been completed, according to the UAE authorities.
Captain Smit Machchhar was injured.
Machchhar was seriously injured during the cockpit assault and was later transferred to the UAE for medical treatment.
The Indian pilot has since spoken about the incident, saying he fought to reach and open the cockpit door after sensing that the aircraft was descending. Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit and helped restrain the attacker.
The incident prompted an emergency diversion to Tabuk, where the aircraft landed safely.
Authorities had initially urged caution.
The latest findings represent a significant development from the initial accounts of the incident.
On September 30, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority described what happened as a security incident and said its investigation teams were working with relevant authorities to establish the causes and circumstances.
On October 1, the UAE Attorney-General ordered a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate the incident, including whether it was linked to terrorist activity, prior planning or direction. Authorities at that stage urged the public to avoid speculation until the investigation established the facts.
The latest statement from the Attorney-General provides the first official UAE confirmation that investigators found an attempted terrorist act, while the broader investigation into its motives and possible links continues.
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Source: Gulf News
