ABU DHABI — Investigations into the mid-air attack aboard Flydubai Flight 1073 have revealed that First Officer Hamam al-Hammami used an emergency crash axe stowed in the flight deck to assault the aircraft’s captain in an attempted act of terrorism.
According to a statement released Saturday by UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the co-pilot began executing a pre-planned attack during the Tel Aviv-bound flight, wielding the axe against Captain Smit Machchhar in an effort to seize control of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and force it into a steep dive.
Strategic Cockpit Positioning
Security analysts and aviation experts pointing to the physical layout of the Boeing 737 flight deck note that the cockpit’s emergency equipment arrangement gave the first officer a tactical advantage.
On standard commercial Boeing aircraft, the emergency crash axe, a heavy-duty tool equipped with a pick and blade designed to breach panels during forced landings or fires, is stowed directly behind the captain’s station, adjacent to the second observer seat. The tool is secured by two quick-release latches.
From the First Officer’s seat on the right side of the cockpit, retrieving the axe requires reaching back with a left hand to unlatch and pull the tool. By contrast, the Captain, seated directly in front of the stowage position on the left, would have to unbuckle or rotate completely around to reach or defend against the tool, leaving him vulnerable to a sudden strike.
Mid-Air Struggle and Diverted Landing
The violence unfolded while the aircraft was carrying 174 passengers and six crew members from Dubai. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, Captain Machchhar fought back while crew members and off-duty pilots traveling onboard intervened to help subdue and bind al-Hammami.
The aircraft was safely recovered from its plunge and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Regional Airport in Saudi Arabia. Captain Machchhar and injured crew members received immediate medical treatment, and both pilots were subsequently transferred back to the UAE.
Ongoing Terror Investigation
UAE prosecutors confirmed that technical analysis of digital and physical evidence from the flight deck is currently underway to determine the extent of planning and any external ties or extremist radicalization.
Officials stated that final findings will be published upon the conclusion of the joint multinational investigation.
