New Delhi, Oct. 6 -- Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, allegedly "attempted to carry out a terrorist act" during Wednesday's flight FZ1073 to Israel's Tel Aviv.

He used a crash axe from the cockpit to attack Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, according to the UAE state news agency WAM, citing Attorney General Counsellor Hamad Saif al-Shamsi.

Aviation expert Harsh Vardhan told LiveMint that the cockpit carries several safety items, including a crash axe, portable fire extinguisher, flashlights, life vests and fireproof gloves. He explained that the crash axe can be used when crew members need to access areas behind aircraft panels during a fire or when access to a door becomes difficult because of an electrical-system fa...