Archive · 6 Oct 2026
UAE Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Captain With Crash Axe
The UAE says a co-pilot attacked the captain of a Flydubai plane with an emergency axe.
The plane was flying from the UAE toward Israel.
It suddenly dropped thousands of feet in about 30 seconds.
Passengers and crew helped stop the co-pilot, and a reserve pilot took control.
The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia, although the captain was seriously hurt.
Investigators are trying to learn why the attack happened and whether anyone else was involved.
Reports say the co-pilot had previously been taken off flying duties in Oman because of concerns about his views.
Flydubai says the case is still being investigated.
An aviation simulator expert said such a sudden drop could feel like a vertical roller coaster.
The UAE prosecutor general said co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and tried to seize control of flight FZ1073.
Passengers and crew intervened after the captain reportedly unlocked the cockpit door; a reserve pilot took control and the flight landed at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft plunged about 16,000 to 16,625 feet in roughly 30 seconds; accounts report 182 people aboard or more than 170 passengers and crew.
The UAE is leading an investigation into the incident, including the co-pilot’s motives and possible connections; Israeli investigators and other regional and Western agencies are reported to be assisting.
Reports say Oman had removed the co-pilot from flying duties over concerns about his views; Flydubai says it cannot comment further while the investigation continues.
- Who
- The UAE says co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami attacked Captain Smit Machchhar; passengers, crew, and a reserve pilot intervened.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe and tried to take control of flydubai flight FZ1073.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; the UAE prosecutor general described it as an attempted terrorist attack on Saturday.
- Where
- Aboard a flight traveling from the UAE toward Israel; it plunged over Saudi Arabia and landed at Tabuk.
- Why
- The motive has not been established; investigators are examining possible connections and physical and digital evidence.
Terrorist Attack Characterization
Investigation Still Underway
How to describe the incident
Terrorist Attack Characterization
The UAE prosecutor general called the co-pilot’s actions an attempted terrorist attack; UAE and Israeli officials also used terrorism-related language.
Investigation Still Underway
Flydubai described the event as a safety incident or altercation in reports and said it could not comment further while the investigation continues.
Motive and possible involvement
Terrorist Attack Characterization
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination, and officials are examining whether others directed or supported him.
Investigation Still Underway
Reports say Netanyahu did not provide evidence for the radicalization claim; investigators have not established a motive or confirmed any connection to others.
Recruitment and screening
Terrorist Attack Characterization
Reports say Oman had removed the co-pilot from flying duties over concerns about his views before he was hired by Flydubai, prompting questions about his assignment and vetting.
Investigation Still Underway
The reports say it is unclear what checks Flydubai conducted or what it knew when hiring him; the airline has not commented beyond saying the investigation is ongoing.
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737 MAX 8, according to Reuters reports
- Reported weapon
- A cockpit crash axe
- Reported descent
- About 16,000 to 16,625 feet in roughly 30 seconds
- People aboard
- Reports say 182 people or more than 170 passengers and crew
- Landing
- Emergency landing at Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia
- Investigation
- The UAE is leading the investigation; reports say Israeli investigators and other regional and Western agencies are assisting.
- Earlier flying duties
- Reports say Oman removed the co-pilot from flying duties over concerns about his views and assigned him administrative work.
Sources
Flydubai co-pilot attempted ‘terrorist’ attack during flight, UAE says
Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe in attempted 'terrorist attack', UAE says – ThePrint – ReutersFeed
UAE Says FlyDubai Co-pilot Attacked Captain with Cockpit's Crash Axe
'Vertical Roller Coaster': Expert Explains flydubai Flight's Sudden Plunge
Flydubai co-pilot used cockpit's crash axe to attack Captain Smit Machchhar: UAE says
Like a ‘vertical roller coaster’: Simulating flight FZ1073’s sudden plunge
Like a ‘vertical roller coaster’: Simulating flight FZ1073’s sudden plunge
‘Terrorist’ attack attempt on flydubai flight, co-pilot tried to seize aircraft: UAE
