Co-pilot attacked captain with crash axe

The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the UAE prosecutor general said.

Co-pilot identified as Hammam al-Hammami

The co-pilot was identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter who spoke to Reuters.

Plane plunged five thousand metres in thirty seconds

The aircraft plunged more than five thousand metres in just over thirty seconds while flying over Saudi Arabia on its journey from the UAE to Israel.

Al-Hammami had been barred from flying in Oman

The co-pilot was barred from flying in Oman but was hired by the United Arab Emirates-based airline, according to a source speaking on condition of anonymity.

Reserve pilot landed plane at Tabuk airport

A reserve flydubai pilot travelling on the flight took control of the aircraft and landed it at Tabuk airport in north-western Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was detained.

Netanyahu warns of heavy price for involvement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was looking into whether the co-pilot had acted under anyone's direction, warning that anyone involved would pay a heavy price.

“anyone involved would pay a "heavy price"”