flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Pilot With Cockpit's Crash Axe In 'Terrorist Attack': UAE
UAE prosecutors have confirmed that a flydubai co-pilot attempted a 'terrorist attack' by assaulting the captain with a crash axe mid-flight. The Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, managed to land the plane safely in Saudi Arabia despite his injuries, preventing a potential disaster.
Why it matters
This incident raises significant questions about aviation security protocols, pilot background checks, and the vulnerability of cockpit safety.
Hamam Alhammami, the co-pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight, had attacked Indian 'hero' pilot Captain Smit Machchhar with the cockpit's crash axe in a "terrorist attack", United Arab Emirates prosecutors confirmed on Saturday.Alhammami tried to take control of the aircraft, they said.Under international aviation regulations, a crash axe is mandatory in every commercial airliner and is kept in the cockpit for use during emergencies such as crashes. Earlier, the axes used to be stored in the main cabins, but were shifted to cockpits after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US 25 years ago.An investigation is underway to determine whether the co-pilot acted as a lone wolf or has any connection with any extremist groups.Also Read: flydubai Co-Pilot Shared 'Terrorist' Images, Had Misogynistic Views: ReportA massive disaster was averted on Wednesday when Alhammami tried to sabotage the flydubai aircraft - which was carrying over 170 passengers, including 24 children, and…
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