Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Planned Tel Aviv Crash

Investigators are probing an alleged plot involving the Flydubai flight incident in which the co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, is accused of attempting to take control of the aircraft during the flight to Israel.

According to reports citing investigators, al-Hammami allegedly intended to kill Captain Smit Machchhar and seize control of the Boeing 737. Investigators reportedly believe he wanted to crash the aircraft into a target in the Tel Aviv area.

Reports further say the alleged targets included a Tel Aviv skyscraper and Ben Gurion Airport. Investigators are examining claims that the co-pilot had researched flights operating to Israel before joining Flydubai.

Captain Smit Machchhar and others aboard the aircraft were able to prevent the alleged hijacking attempt and bring the aircraft to safety. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive, planning and circumstances surrounding the incident.