Tel Aviv. Now a new question regarding the weapon has come to light regarding the attack on Indian Captain Smit Machar in flydubai flight FZ1073 going from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Initial reports suggested that the co-pilot was attacked with a knife, but later reports suggested the possibility of an attack with a crash ax or fire ax kept in the cockpit of the plane. However, the investigating agencies have not yet clarified which weapon was used in the attack.
Crash Ax is kept in the cockpit itself
The crash ax used in aircraft is not an ordinary household axe. It is kept in a safe area of the cockpit or crew in case of emergencies. If necessary, a path can be made by breaking panels, doors or other obstructions. In such a situation, if this equipment was used in the attack, then the question of bringing it separately in the plane does not arise.
Mention of knife in initial information
Information revealed immediately after the incident said that the Omani co-pilot had attacked Captain Smit Machar with a knife. The captain was seriously injured in the attack, but he succeeded in opening the cockpit door, after which the passengers and some crew members reached inside and helped control the attacker.
Why did the information about the ax come out now?
Later reports quoted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying that the attacker may have stabbed the captain with a knife or an axe. Another report raised the possibility that the plane's cockpit crash ax was used in the attack. However, there is no complete uniformity in the available information regarding the weapon.
The plane descended rapidly from 34 thousand feet
During the incident the aircraft was at an altitude of about 33-34 thousand feet. Amidst the melee, the plane descended about 14-16 thousand feet in about 30 seconds. As the situation worsened, the plane gave emergency signals and later made a safe landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Injured captain opened the cockpit door
Despite being seriously injured, Captain Smit opened the cockpit door. After this, the passengers and crew members reached inside and controlled the co-pilot. Additional flydubai pilots on board later took control and landed the aircraft at Tabuk. There were 174 people on board the plane.
Many questions still in investigation
The investigation into the cause of the incident and the motive behind the alleged attack on the co-pilot is ongoing. Flydubai has also cautioned against jumping to hasty conclusions. Final confirmation regarding the weapon will be available only after investigation. At present it is clear that during the incident the aircraft descended rapidly and was landed safely with the help of passengers, crew and additional pilots.
Smite mosquito treatment going on in Tabuk
Captain Smit Machar, who was injured in the attack, was admitted to the hospital after the plane reached Tabuk. According to the Indian Embassy, his condition is said to be stable and he is in touch with his family. As the investigation of the case progresses, the weapon used in the attack and the circumstances of the entire incident are expected to become more clear.