UAE calls flydubai cockpit attack a terror attempt; wounded captain recounts saving flight

The United Arab Emirates' Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, announced on Saturday, October 3, that the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was an attempted terror attack. This marks the first time Emirati authorities have officially characterized the event this way.

The investigation found that the co-pilot used an axe kept in the cockpit for emergencies to attack the flight's captain, Smit Machhar, in an apparent attempt to seize control of the aircraft. During the attack, the plane lost altitude rapidly, descending more than five kilometers in roughly 30 seconds, according to flight tracking data.

Captain describes the struggle

Captain Machhar, who is recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, described the ordeal in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said he had sustained injuries severe enough to collapse, but realized at that moment the plane was falling and that this was his last chance to act. Despite his wounds, he managed to get up and open the cockpit door.

Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit and subdued the attacker, while a relief pilot on board took control of the aircraft and safely landed it in Tabuk, in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

Machhar, who has 17 years of aviation experience, said he understood that if he did not get up, passengers would lose their lives. He said his recovery would take time but expressed strong confidence that he would fully heal.

Investigation continues

Saudi authorities have detained the co-pilot. The UAE is leading an ongoing investigation into the circumstances and motive behind the attack, as well as possible links to other individuals or organizations, while analyzing physical and digital evidence. flydubai said the investigation is still underway and that it would not provide further comment at this time.