Flydubai Co-Pilot Handed Over to UAE, Probe Intensifies Into Captain Attack and Crash Attempt

UAE: The investigation into the alleged altercation and attack on the captain inside the cockpit of flydubai flight FZ1073 is progressing. Saudi Arabia has handed over the Omani co-pilot of the flight to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is alleged that during the flight, the co-pilot attacked the captain in the cockpit and tried to crash the plane. After the incident, the plane had to make an emergency landing in Tabuk city of Saudi Arabia.

What happened in the cockpit?

This case is related to flydubai flight FZ1073, which was going from Dubai to Tel Aviv. There was reportedly a heated argument between the two pilots in the cockpit during the flight on Wednesday. During this time, the Indian captain of the plane, Smit Machhar, got injured. The investigating agencies are now trying to find out what triggered the dispute and whether the co-pilot had deliberately tried to take control of the plane or cause it to crash.

Why did the plane have to make emergency landing in Tabuk?

After the dispute in the cockpit, the plane was diverted towards Tabuk city of Saudi Arabia. After this the plane made a safe landing there. Immediately after landing, Saudi authorities detained the Omani co-pilot and started interrogating him. He was later handed over to UAE authorities.

What came out in the Saudi investigation?

According to preliminary investigation by Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry, the co-pilot attacked the captain during the flight. Both pilots suffered injuries and were treated at hospital. After being found fit in the medical examination, both left for Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning. Saudi officials also shared initial information about the case with UAE security teams.

Who is investigating the case in UAE?

UAE has also started its investigation after the incident. The judicial agencies there are investigating the circumstances of the dispute in the cockpit. A key part of the investigation is to find out why the plane needed to make an emergency landing in Tabuk and what actually happened in the cockpit during the flight. The UAE Foreign Ministry has said that the case is being monitored and the investigation will be conducted by judicial authorities.

How is the condition of Indian captain Smit Mosquito?

According to the Indian Embassy, ​​India's Ambassador to UAE Deepak Mittal reached the hospital and met Captain Smit Mosquito and his family. The embassy said through a social media post that the captain's condition is fine and he is recovering rapidly. The Embassy is in touch with the local authorities to ensure that the Captain continues to receive necessary treatment and care.

Have the allegations against the co-pilot been proved?

At present the investigation of the case is going on. The co-pilot is being investigated on allegations of assaulting the captain and attempting to damage the plane. Investigating agencies are trying to find out the cause and circumstances of the incident that took place in the cockpit. Therefore, the allegations cannot be seen as finally proven facts until the investigation is completed.