The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 brandished a crash axe in an attempt to execute a “terrorist attack” while airborne, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general stated on Saturday, according to a state news agency.
The UAE statement referenced the prosecutor general noting that the co-pilot also sought to seize control of the aircraft during Wednesday’s assault on the flight bound for Israel. Passengers and crew intervened to restrain the co-pilot and stabilize the plane. Officials indicated the co-pilot’s behavior nearly caused the flight, carrying 182 people, to crash by plunging it into a sharp descent.
A crash axe is typically stowed in the cockpit for use during emergency situations.
The co-pilot had previously been prohibited from flying by Oman due to concerns he had developed extremist views, according to a person familiar with the matter. He was subsequently hired by the United Arab Emirates-based airline flydubai, the source said, requesting anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation. It remained unclear at the time how extensively he was vetted during hiring. Oman’s initial decision to bar him was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
The co-pilot was born in the UAE and his mother is Syrian, according to a regional official with knowledge of the investigation.
How the co-pilot ended up working in the cockpit on Wednesday morning remains a pivotal question for investigators. Israel claims it holds agreements with foreign carriers to exclude pilots from nations with which it lacks diplomatic relations. Israel and Oman do not share formal diplomatic ties.
The official confirmed the co-pilot worked with Oman’s national airline but was removed from flying duties because of perceived signs of extremist views. He was subsequently assigned to an administrative position at Oman Air, the official said.
Security agencies from four regional countries were collaborating to establish the co-pilot’s motives, assisted by the US and other Western governments, the official said, requesting anonymity regarding investigation details.
UAE senior diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash called the incident a “dangerous terrorist act” on Friday. The episode serves as a test for the UAE government, which has built a reputation for effective anti-extremist measures but has also reacted defensively to past criticism of security lapses.
Very little else was immediately known about the co-pilot’s background. His Instagram account was active until the day of the flight and was subsequently deleted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radicalisation” but offered no evidence to support the claim.
The captain, who was severely wounded, said he used his remaining energy while being stabbed to unlock the cockpit door, permitting those who had heard loud noises to enter, subdue the co-pilot, and stabilize the aircraft. It made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Both the captain and co-pilot were taken to the UAE as it leads the investigation. Officials have stated that several countries, including Israel, are participating.
With Associated Press and Reuters