NAIROBI, Kenya- The United Arab Emirates says the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv attacked the captain with a crash axe and tried to take control of the aircraft in what its prosecutor general described as an attempted terrorist act.
UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators found that the co-pilot began carrying out a plan during the flight, attacking the captain inside the cockpit.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances, possible motive and whether the incident had any links to others.
They are also examining physical and digital evidence, state news agency WAM reported on Saturday.
Plane diverted to Saudi Arabia
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers and crew on board.
The aircraft made a rapid descent while flying over Saudi Arabia before diverting to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by Reuters showed it dropped more than 16,000 feet in just over 30 seconds.
The wounded captain was later treated in hospital.
managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and a reserve pilot to intervene.
The co-pilot was subdued, and the reserve pilot helped take control before the aircraft landed, according to Reuters.
The captain was later treated in hospital.
Investigation into motive continues
The UAE’s announcement is the first official account from Emirati authorities to describe the incident as an attempted terrorist act.
Al Shamsi said the final findings would be announced after investigators complete their work.
Reuters reported, citing a source with direct knowledge of the matter, that the co-pilot was identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
UAE authorities had not publicly confirmed his identity in the report.
Flydubai said it was cooperating with the investigation and could not comment further.
A crash axe is an emergency tool carried on aircraft.
