Investigators Search For Plane Hijacking Motive
1 day ago
DUBAI — Investigators across the Middle East are working to determine why a Flydubai copilot allegedly attacked the captain of a passenger jet and attempted to seize control of the Israel-bound aircraft.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when authorities say a violent confrontation erupted inside the cockpit. The flight was carrying more than 170 people.
Israeli officials say the copilot attacked and stabbed the captain, sending the Boeing 737 Max 8 into a dramatic plunge over Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft lost more than 14,000 feet of altitude in less than 30 seconds.
Despite being injured, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit and helped subdue the copilot before a reserve flight crew aboard the aircraft took control.
The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were treated for injuries before being transported to Abu Dhabi.
The United Arab Emirates has launched a formal investigation into the incident, including whether the attack was connected to terrorism, involved advance planning or was directed by others. Saudi Arabia and Israel are also investigating.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says information gathered about the copilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, indicates he had undergone what Netanyahu described as “Islamist radical indoctrination.”
Netanyahu also said the copilot appeared to have been suicidal and may have intended to bring down the aircraft. However, he stressed that investigators have not reached final conclusions about the motive.
Israeli security officials initially believe the copilot likely acted alone. Investigators have not identified evidence linking Iran to the incident.
Flydubai has suspended flights to Israel while the investigation continues.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when authorities say a violent confrontation erupted inside the cockpit. The flight was carrying more than 170 people.
Israeli officials say the copilot attacked and stabbed the captain, sending the Boeing 737 Max 8 into a dramatic plunge over Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft lost more than 14,000 feet of altitude in less than 30 seconds.
Despite being injured, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit and helped subdue the copilot before a reserve flight crew aboard the aircraft took control.
The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Both pilots were treated for injuries before being transported to Abu Dhabi.
The United Arab Emirates has launched a formal investigation into the incident, including whether the attack was connected to terrorism, involved advance planning or was directed by others. Saudi Arabia and Israel are also investigating.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says information gathered about the copilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, indicates he had undergone what Netanyahu described as “Islamist radical indoctrination.”
Netanyahu also said the copilot appeared to have been suicidal and may have intended to bring down the aircraft. However, he stressed that investigators have not reached final conclusions about the motive.
Israeli security officials initially believe the copilot likely acted alone. Investigators have not identified evidence linking Iran to the incident.
Flydubai has suspended flights to Israel while the investigation continues.
