The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Tel Aviv-bound flight earlier this week allegedly used the cockpit’s “crash axe” in the assault and has been identified as a 29-year-old Omani national.
The co-pilot attempted to “take control of the aircraft” and carry out a “terrorist act,” UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said in a statement Saturday to the Emirates News Agency.
The UAE statement did not identify the co-pilot, but he was later identified by local media as Hamam al Hammami, an Omani national. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot was “suicidal” and “underwent Islamic radical indoctrination.”
Flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv lost more than half its altitude in less than two minutes Wednesday after the first officer allegedly attacked Capt. Machchhar in the cockpit at about 34,000 feet.
At 9:21 a.m., the aircraft’s nose was pushed down to a 39-degree angle, causing it to rapidly accelerate. Preliminary flight data show the plane descended 17,400 feet over 92 seconds while reaching a peak velocity close to the speed of sound. The 39-degree dive was far steeper than the roughly 3-degree angle of a standard descent.
Despite suffering severe injuries and significant blood loss, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing a passenger and another crew member to enter and restrain the alleged attacker. Other FlyDubai crew members helped stabilize the aircraft and regain control.
The plane eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Saudi authorities arrested the first officer after the landing.
The Indian ambassador to the United Arab Emirates said Thursday that Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering well after being seriously injured.
Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the UAE are investigating the hijacker to uncover the key questions surrounding the suspect’s identity, motive, and how a weapon entered the cockpit.
SAUDI ARABIA, ISRAEL, AND UAE WORK TOGETHER ON INVESTIGATION INTO FLYDUBAI SUSPECT: WHAT TO KNOW
The UAE’s attorney general has directed an investigation into whether the incident was connected to a terrorist plot, whether it involved prior planning or direction, and what motivated the attack. The suspect is currently being held in the UAE.
Netanyahu also said the suspect called for authorities to “kill” him after he was restrained, which he characterized as evidence that the man intended to die in a suicide attack.
The investigation includes several countries because the incident involved a UAE-registered aircraft, an Israeli destination, and a landing in Saudi Arabia.