Australians aboard flydubai flight during attempted cockpit hijacking
Steven and Carol Moss from Sydney were aboard a flydubai flight where the second officer stabbed the co-pilot.
An Australian couple from Sydney, Steven and Carol Moss, were among passengers on a flydubai flight from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv when the second officer allegedly stabbed his co-pilot with a knife and attacked him with an emergency axe.
As the two pilots fought for control, the aircraft plunged into a dangerous descent that damaged the plane's rudder. Passengers including Yaniv Hayoun worked together for about 20 minutes to stop the second officer and take control of the situation.
The Omani officer is now under arrest on suspicion of attempted hijacking. Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, made a life-saving decision to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene.
- UAE to Tel Aviv
- Flight route
- About 20 minutes
- Intervention time
- Omani
- Second officer nationality
- Plane's rudder badly damaged
- Damage caused
Why it mattersIt highlights the danger posed by crew members with access to the cockpit and the bravery of passengers who intervened.
AustraliaAustralians were at risk during the incident, raising awareness about aviation security on international routes.
Corroborated by7news.com.au·perthnow.com.au
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