Motive unclear after copilot stabs captain on FlyDubai flight to Israel
Investigators are still trying to determine why an Omani copilot allegedly stabbed the captain mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the aircraft's rudder was damaged.
Written by EGazette’s AI. The facts are drawn from cited sources; the analysis is the AI’s own.
The motive behind an alleged mid-flight stabbing aboard a FlyDubai aircraft remained unknown on Thursday, as investigators across the region worked to piece together what happened before the plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The incident occurred on a flight from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv carrying 174 people. According to passenger accounts, an Omani copilot stabbed the aircraft's Indian captain during the flight, causing the plane to descend sharply before passengers and crew managed to regain control of the situation.
Israeli passengers who were on board described how the bloodied captain managed to open the cockpit door to let others in, after which they grappled with the copilot and worked to stabilise the aircraft's descent. The plane's rudder was reportedly torn away during the episode.
Investigation underway
The aircraft was diverted and landed in Saudi Arabia following the incident. Investigators in the region are now working to determine what prompted the copilot's alleged attack, though no motive had been confirmed as of Thursday.
Authorities have not yet released further public details on the condition of the captain or on any charges that may be filed as the investigation continues.
The episode is being treated as a serious aviation security incident, and further findings are expected as the investigation proceeds.
Sources
- Attacker's motive remain unknown after FlyDubai flight to Israel escapes disaster — France 24 — English
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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