flydubai Plane Incident: Investigations into the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 have revealed that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a “terrorist act.” According to a statement carried by the WAM News Agency, UAE Attorney-General and Federal Prosecutor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi on Saturday confirmed that the co-pilot began executing his plan during the flight by attacking the captain inside the flight deck. 

Co-Pilot Used Axe To Attack Indian Captain

According to initial probe findings, the Omani co-pilot used a crash axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft's flight controls. Authorities are continuing their investigations to establish the full circumstances, motives, and any potential connections related to the incident. They are also working to complete technical examinations and analyse physical and digital evidence. 

Attorney-General Shamsi added that the final findings will be officially announced upon the conclusion of all necessary legal and investigative procedures. Earlier in the day, the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was identified as 29-year-old Hamam Al-Hammami.

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Al-Hammami was born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother and had spent several years in the UAE. His LinkedIn profile also said he studied at Buckinghamshire New University in England. According to Al Arabiya English, citing sources, he had previously been stopped from flying in Oman due to concerns over his alleged extremist views. The sources also claimed that he had spent significant time outside Oman, including in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideas.

What Happened Aboard flydubai Flight?

The incident took place on September 30 while the flydubai Boeing 737 was travelling towards Tel Aviv. Al-Hammami is accused of attacking and stabbing Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, after which the aircraft went into a steep descent. Despite being injured, Machchhar was able to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

ALSO READ: Flydubai Cockpit Attack: What 'Hero' Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar's Surname Means

Social Media Posts Under Scanner

Meanwhile, questions have also emerged over two posts that appeared on the LinkedIn profile of the co-pilot around nine hours after the incident. The post reportedly featured cockpit videos, references to Israeli airlines, images of former al Qaeda figures and an AI-generated depiction of Islam’s three holiest sites.

According to CNN and several other news outlets, the first post contained several videos recorded inside the cockpit of a Boeing 737 Max. The aircraft involved in Wednesday’s incident was a flydubai Boeing 737 Max 8 that was diverted to Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk. One clip, which CNN said it identified as being filmed at Dubai International Airport, showed the person recording the footage focusing on an El Al aircraft.

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