Saudi arabia launches air safety probe into flydubai fz1073 incident
Saudi Arabia has launched an air safety investigation into the Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack, while a separate UAE criminal probe continues and Israel seeks to join the investigation.
Saudi Arabia has launched an air safety investigation into Flydubai flight FZ1073 following last week's cockpit attack, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The investigation will examine the aviation-safety aspects of the September 30 incident, while the United Arab Emirates is conducting a separate criminal investigation.
FZ1073 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe while the aircraft was in Saudi airspace. The Boeing 737 MAX later experienced a steep descent before the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk.
Saudi Arabia Launches Safety Probe
Saudi Arabia has notified specialist aviation agencies abroad that it will conduct a safety investigation into FZ1073 under international rules, according to people familiar with the matter.
Safety investigations are intended to examine what happened and make recommendations aimed at improving aviation safety. They are not normally mandatory when an incident involves a deliberate act.
Saudi Arabia's National Transport Safety Center, which is responsible for accident investigations, did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
The US National Transportation Safety Board could also be involved because the Boeing 737 MAX was designed and built in the United States.
What Happened to FZ1073?
The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the cockpit attack occurred.
The aircraft sent an emergency signal and was diverted to Saudi Arabia. It landed safely at Tabuk after the incident.
Passengers and crew members intervened during the confrontation, allowing the aircraft to be brought under control.
Captain Smit Machchhar later described his experience after being injured during the attack, including how he managed to open the cockpit door while the aircraft was in trouble.
Israel Wants to Join the Investigation
Israel has offered to participate in the Saudi-led safety investigation because almost all of the passengers were Israeli citizens.
Ofer Vaknin, director of Israel's Aircraft Safety Investigation Authority, told Reuters:
“We are still waiting for a notification from Saudi Arabia to invite us to take a part in the investigation.”
Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations, but international aviation cooperation can involve authorities from different countries after serious incidents.
UAE Criminal Investigation Continues
The Saudi safety investigation is separate from the criminal investigation being conducted by the UAE.
The UAE is involved because the aircraft is registered there and Flydubai is based in Dubai.
The UAE prosecutor general has described the incident as a "terrorist attack." Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack.
