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Allegations of Coordinated Attack on Flydubai Flight
UAE Attorney General has stated that a first officer used a cockpit crash axe to strike Captain Smit Machchhar during flydubai flight FZ1073, characterizing the incident as an attempted terrorist act. The attack occurred while the aircraft was in flight, leading to a catastrophic loss of control.
According to reports cited by The Sunday Guardian, the first officer, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, struck Captain Machchhar with the axe, leaving the captain bleeding on the floor of the aircraft. The article describes the jet falling more than 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, with rudder skin tearing off during the dive.
The crash resulted in 174 deaths, including 27 children. The Sunday Guardian reported that the cockpit door, which was reinforced after September 11 to prevent passenger entry, held firm against the internal assault.
Investigation into Suspect’s Background and Intent
Reuters reported on Oct. 5, citing Israeli officials, that Hamam al-Hammami told interrogators he had planned the attack before being hired by flydubai. The report states that the suspect searched for airlines flying to Tel Aviv prior to his employment.
A third source briefed on the probe told The Sunday Guardian that the first officer had already operated a Tel Aviv sector earlier in the year with intent to hijack but did not carry out the act at that time.
Haaretz reported that the passenger and crew list for FZ1073 was sent to Israeli authorities before departure, yet the suspect was not stopped by Israel's screening process. The Sunday Guardian noted that Oman Air had previously barred Hamam al-Hammami from flying due to extremist material found in his possession.
The article highlights concerns regarding security protocols, noting that if the best screen in the world can miss a suspect twice, additional measures may be required. The incident has drawn attention to the effectiveness of current aviation security measures in preventing individuals with prior suspicious activity from boarding flights.
