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A co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot of a Flydubai flight with an axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft while it was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates.
The aircraft was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew members. About two and a half hours after takeoff from Dubai International Airport, the plane suddenly descended by around 17,000 feet.
Passengers then overpowered the attacker and helped regain control of the aircraft. Two alternate pilots later safely landed the plane in Saudi Arabia.
Captain Smit Machhar, who was injured in the attack, said he was lying on the cockpit floor when he realised the aircraft was losing altitude.
“I told myself, I have to try one more time,” he said, describing his final attempt to open the cockpit door from inside. This allowed passengers to enter the cockpit and restrain the attacker.
An axe is normally kept inside the cockpit for use in emergencies. UAE prosecutors said an investigation was underway to establish the full circumstances of the incident and determine the attacker’s motive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker was an Omani national. According to Netanyahu, after being subdued, the man shouted at crew members, “Kill me, kill me!”
Netanyahu said the incident indicated that the attacker was suicidal and may have intended to destroy the aircraft. He also alleged that the man had been influenced by an Islamist extremist ideology. UAE state news agency WAM said authorities were investigating whether the incident was connected to any terrorist activity or motive.
The injured pilot was initially taken to a nearby hospital before being transferred to Abu Dhabi by aircraft. His condition was later reported to be stable.
The Indian embassy said the Indian national was “doing well and recovering quickly.” Machhar also expressed confidence about his recovery, saying he expected to regain full fitness.
The aircraft first issued an emergency signal after beginning its rapid descent. A hijacking or unlawful-interference alert was subsequently transmitted.
Passenger Almog Italy said the aircraft suddenly began descending like a roller coaster, causing intense pressure. He said it descended rapidly for around 20 to 30 seconds before stabilising and then began descending again.
Passengers then rushed towards the cockpit, he said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Israeli passenger Tali Manes first alerted others after hearing unusual noises from the cockpit. Her husband, Zvika Manes, and three other passengers — Yaniv Hayun, doctor Shota Musayev and Asaf Razuvan — entered the cockpit.
Machhar, despite being injured, had managed to open the cockpit door, allowing the passengers to enter and overpower the attacker.
In a video released by the Israeli prime minister’s office, Yaniv Hayun said the attacker had been trying to disable the aircraft by damaging various systems and equipment.
Hayun said he grabbed the attacker by the neck and pulled him out of the cockpit, while other passengers helped restrain him. He then helped maintain control of the aircraft until another pilot took over as the plane gradually returned to level flight.
Zvika Manes told Israel’s public broadcaster that he and other passengers restrained the attacker using his own restraints and wires from an audio device.
Netanyahu said on Wednesday evening that the injured pilot, passengers and a second crew member had helped prevent what he described as a disaster “like 9/11.”
