Australian authorities have opened a second investigation into the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain with an axe mid-flight, it has been confirmed.
Hamam Al Hammami, from Oman, allegedly attacked Indian co-pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30, using a 'crash axe', according to officials from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite suffering serious stab wounds, Captain Smit managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue Al Hammami.
Second Investigation Launched
Two off-duty pilots rushed into the cockpit to save the plane, which had descended 14,000 feet in 30 seconds, according to data. Passengers said it took around 10 minutes to stabilise the aircraft. Miraculously, none of the 182 passengers were seriously injured, and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
In the aftermath, UAE authorities began an investigation. The country's attorney general, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, told state media that 'investigations into the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 found that the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist attack'.
Australian Probe into Links
Now, Australian officials have confirmed that two police forces and a security agency have opened a probe into Al Hammami. A spokesperson for the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), which includes Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, told The Mirror: "Vic JCTT can confirm it is investigating the man's links to Australia."
The spokesperson added that a 'further update' will be issued 'at the appropriate time'. The nature of the investigation or the alleged links to Australia has not been clarified.
After landing at Tabuk's Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi authorities arrested Al Hammami. A plane carrying passengers from the flight landed Wednesday evening in Israel.
