UAE authorities classify the second pilot's attack on the captain of the FlyDubai aircraft as an attempted terrorist act. According to the investigation, the pilot used an emergency axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
The second pilot of a FlyDubai aircraft operating flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv attacked the captain with an emergency axe while attempting to seize control of the aircraft, reports LETA citing DPA and the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The competent authorities of the United Arab Emirates classify the incident as an attempted terrorist act. Israeli authorities previously gave a similar assessment of the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the second pilot was under the influence of Islamist ideology.
Emergency axes are standard equipment on passenger aircraft and are intended for opening panels and other structures in emergency situations.
The investigation is ongoing. Investigators are determining the motives of the second pilot and checking whether he had connections with other individuals or organizations.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard the aircraft traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the attack, the plane rapidly lost altitude.
The captain of the aircraft, a citizen of India, sustained serious injuries but managed to open the cockpit door. After that, passengers and crew members subdued the attacker, and the plane successfully made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
There were 182 people on board.
According to Israeli sources, the second pilot is a citizen of Oman. After the incident, he was taken to the United Arab Emirates.
The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reported that Omani authorities had previously banned him from flying due to concerns about his radical views.
Saudi television channel Al Arabiya also reports that the pilot was prohibited from flying. According to the channel, he was influenced by extremist ideology during his stay in Syria.
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