An Omani co-pilot allegedly tried to crash a Flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. However, Indian pilot Smit Machhar stopped the attempt. The co-pilot reportedly attacked Machhar before trying to bring down the jet. He allegedly planned to hit a building in Tel Aviv. After that plan failed, he may have tried shutting the Boeing 737 engines.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera published a minute-by-minute account of the September 30 flight. The report traced events from the beginning of the journey. At that stage, pilots cleared security checks while passengers started boarding. However, the report found nothing suspicious about the co-pilot’s behaviour initially. It identified him as 29-year-old Hammam al-Hammami. His father is Omani, while his mother is Syrian.
Co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Machhar with an axe
According to the report, al-Hammami first tried to kill Captain Machhar with an axe. Afterwards, he allegedly grabbed the yoke controls and attempted to crash the aircraft. He then reportedly tried to shut down both engines.
Despite his injuries, Machhar managed to prevent a major aviation disaster. He also helped other crew members secure the aircraft and control the situation.
Israeli intelligence cited in report over Tel Aviv plan
The report cited Israeli intelligence while describing al-Hammami’s alleged planning. According to those details, he first planned to kill the captain. Next, he allegedly intended to take control of the aircraft.
The reported plan involved flying the jet towards Tel Aviv. He then allegedly wanted to crash it into the city’s high-rise buildings. Moreover, the report said he planned to act extremely quickly.
That speed allegedly aimed to prevent fighter jets from intercepting the aircraft. Authorities would also have no time to begin negotiations, according to the reported plan.
What allegedly happened inside the cockpit
Investigators are now examining al-Hammami’s background and radical views, according to the reference. He allegedly attacked Machhar inside the cockpit with an emergency axe. Meanwhile, the co-pilot reportedly attempted to crash the jet.
The aircraft carried 174 passengers and six crew members. Although seriously injured, Machhar managed to reach crew members and some passengers. They then overpowered the co-pilot.
During the incident, the aircraft dropped around 16,000 feet within 30 seconds. However, those onboard managed to stabilise the jet after gaining control.
Emergency landing followed the mid-air incident
The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Authorities then sent the passengers onward to Tel Aviv.
Saudi officials took al-Hammami for questioning after the landing. Later, authorities transferred him to the United Arab Emirates. According to the reference, he remains there currently.
