Omani Co-Pilot Allegedly Tries to Crash Flydubai Flight, Indian Pilot Saves the Day
Flydubai Horror: Omani Co-Pilot Allegedly Attempts to Crash Plane: An Omani co-pilot allegedly tried to crash a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, but Indian pilot Smit Machhar helped prevent a major disaster.
According to a report by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the incident took place on September 30. The co-pilot, identified as 29-year-old Hammam Al-Hammami, reportedly showed no suspicious behaviour before boarding the flight.
Attack on the Pilot: Al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machhar inside the cockpit with an emergency axe. He then tried to take control of the aircraft and crash it. When that failed, he reportedly attempted to shut down both engines.
Despite being seriously injured, Machhar managed to alert the crew and passengers in the cockpit. They overpowered the co-pilot and regained control of the aircraft.
The Boeing 737, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, reportedly lost around 16,000 feet in just 30 seconds before the crew stabilised it.
Alleged Crash Plan: The report, citing Israeli intelligence, claims that Al-Hammami planned to take control of the plane and crash it into high-rise buildings in Tel Aviv. The alleged plan was designed to happen quickly, leaving little time for fighter jets to intercept the aircraft or for authorities to negotiate.
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The flight eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Passengers were later sent to Tel Aviv. Saudi authorities detained Al-Hammami for questioning before he was transferred to the UAE, where he is reportedly being held.
