Flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting plane crash after hijack bid fails

A co-pilot on a Flydubai aircraft has been accused of assaulting the flight captain and attempting to deliberately crash the plane following a failed hijacking attempt, according to investigators probing the incident. The co-pilot, an Omani national, is alleged to have attacked the captain aboard the flight bound for Tel Aviv before attempting to steer the aircraft toward the Saudi Arabian desert.

Emergency distress codes were transmitted to air traffic control during the crisis, with signals indicating both a general emergency and a suspected hijacking scenario. The aircraft was able to divert to safety, preventing what could have been a catastrophic incident.

Authorities are currently investigating whether the co-pilot deliberately cut off the fuel supply to the aircraft's engines as part of the alleged crash attempt. The investigation into the exact sequence of events remains ongoing as aviation safety officials examine the circumstances surrounding the attack and the subsequent actions in the cockpit.

The incident has raised serious questions about cockpit security protocols and crew vetting procedures at commercial airlines operating in the Middle East. Aviation authorities in the region are expected to review safety measures in response to the alleged breach.