New Details Emerge in Flydubai Hijacking Attempt, Pilot Suspected of Shutting Down Engines

Investigators are examining the dramatic possibility that the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv intentionally shut down both engines of the Boeing 737 MAX during a hijacking attempt. According to a reconstruction of events published by Corriere della Sera, emergency lights activated as the aircraft rapidly lost thousands of meters in altitude. Aviation experts explained that this could occur if the plane lost its main power source and switched to emergency battery power. This scenario is being considered as one line of inquiry, alongside the possibility that the generators were disconnected or the engines were deliberately turned off. Investigators are reportedly looking into whether the co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hamami, switched the fuel supply controls for the engines from an operating state to a fuel-cutoff mode. This is currently a line of investigation, not a definitive conclusion.

Al-Hamami had previously expressed extremist views online against women and Jews. During the incident, around 9:15 AM, he requested to leave his seat to pray. Minutes later, he allegedly retrieved an emergency axe from the cockpit and attacked the captain. The captain sustained severe injuries, including to his arm, and lost a significant amount of blood. The armored cockpit door, designed to prevent unauthorized entry, hindered efforts by passengers and crew to reach the captain. A passenger alerted another pilot, who opened the door and discovered the situation. Several passengers intervened, attempting to help the injured captain and subdue the co-pilot.

At 9:21 AM, Al-Hamami reportedly disengaged the autopilot and pushed the control yoke forward, causing the plane to dive. In just over 30 seconds, the aircraft lost approximately 4,900 meters of altitude. During this dive, the emergency lights in the passenger cabin illuminated, even though the plane was still airborne. Experts consulted by the Italian newspaper indicated that these lights activate when the main power fails and the aircraft switches to its emergency battery. This further supports the theory that the main electrical power was cut, possibly by shutting down the generators or the engines. If the engines were indeed shut down, it would be a particularly serious act, as they are crucial not only for propulsion but also for generating electricity.

The investigation also aims to determine how the co-pilot accessed the flight controls and attacked the captain, how he passed background checks, and if there were any prior warning signs. The emergency axe itself, intended for safety, is also under scrutiny as it was allegedly used as a weapon. Additionally, investigators are examining Al-Hamami's past social media activity, which includes footage of him filming Israeli aircraft at Dubai Airport.