New details have emerged about the terrifying security incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, with UAE authorities now saying the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act.
The Boeing 737 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when a violent confrontation erupted inside the cockpit.
According to the Emirates News Agency, UAE Attorney General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said on Saturday that investigators found the co-pilot had attacked the captain with an emergency crash axe kept inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The situation rapidly became life threatening.
Reuters reports that the aircraft plunged more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the incident. The wounded captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the attacker.
More than 170 people were aboard the flight.
Reserve pilots travelling on the aircraft then helped regain control and the plane made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Passengers were not injured, while both pilots required medical treatment.
The captain, Smit Machchhar, has since been widely praised for his actions. UAE based The National reports that he managed to open the cockpit door despite suffering serious injuries, allowing others aboard to intervene.
The UAE's latest statement marks a significant development in the investigation.
Authorities initially said they were examining whether the incident had any connection to terrorist activity. The Attorney General now says investigators have determined that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act.
However, important questions remain unanswered.
Investigators are continuing to examine the suspect's motives, possible connections and whether anyone else was involved. Technical examinations and analysis of physical and digital evidence are also continuing.
The incident is already raising wider questions about aviation security.
Modern cockpit doors were strengthened to prevent attackers from entering from the passenger cabin, but the Flydubai incident has highlighted a different threat: what happens when the danger originates inside the cockpit itself.
Associated Press reports that aviation experts and authorities are now examining the implications of the attack for pilot screening, cockpit procedures and protection against insider threats.
Flight FZ1073 ultimately landed safely, but the dramatic events aboard the aircraft have turned what began as an emergency diversion into one of the most serious aviation security incidents of the year.
