Flydubai co-pilot allegedly tried to crash plane after hijack attempt failed
An investigation by an Italian newspaper suggests that the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight may have attempted to crash the plane in the Saudi desert after a failed hijacking. The report highlights evidence of a steep descent and potential engine shutdown as the co-pilot struggled with the captain.
Why it matters
This report sheds light on a serious aviation security incident, raising questions about cockpit safety protocols and the potential for internal threats.
The Omani co-pilot who attacked the captain of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv may have tried to crash the aircraft in the Saudi desert after realising that passengers were about to thwart his attempt to seize control of the plane, according to an investigation by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera cited by Ynet News.The report said the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, after repeatedly striking Indian captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe, took control of the Boeing 737 after the injured captain activated the switch that allowed the cockpit door to be opened.Once he realised his plan to crash the aircraft would fail, he allegedly tried to bring it down in the Saudi desert.According to the investigation, the attacker disconnected the autopilot and pushed the aircraft's controls sharply forward, sending the plane into a steep descent.
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