Stories
Omani Co-Pilot Tried to Crash Flydubai Plane into Tel Aviv Building, May Have Shut Off Engines
- •Hammam al-Hammami, the Omani co-pilot, allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar and intended to crash Flydubai flight FZ1073 into a Tel Aviv skyscraper.
- •Al-Hammami reportedly used a crash axe to attack Captain Machchhar, who sustained severe head injuries but managed to open the cockpit door.
- •After the attack, Al-Hammami allegedly switched off the autopilot, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly, losing 16,000 feet in 30 seconds.
- •Investigators are examining whether the co-pilot moved engine fuel switches to "Cutoff," as emergency lights activated, suggesting a loss of main power.
- •Passengers and off-duty pilots restrained Al-Hammami, and the plane landed safely in Tabuk; Israel is investigating the incident as a "terror attack."
Key Questions Answered
The Omani co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar from behind with a crash axe after pretending to pray. Despite severe head and arm injuries, Captain Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and two off-duty pilots to intervene and restrain the co-pilot before landing safely in Tabuk.
Al-Hammami switched off the autopilot and pushed the control stick, causing the aircraft to plunge about 16,000 feet in 30 seconds and accelerate past 970 kmph. Investigators are also examining whether he moved the engine fuel switches to 'Cutoff' and shut down the engines.
Citing Israeli intelligence, reports indicate that Al-Hammami intended to kill Captain Machchhar and crash the passenger jet into a skyscraper in Tel Aviv. Israel has officially classified the incident as a terror attack and is investigating how he was cleared to fly.
