Oman’s Attorney General said on October 9 that a flydubai co-pilot planned to crash a passenger jet into Tel Aviv. The accused is Hamam al-Hammami, 29, an Omani national.

The plan targeted flight FZ1073 on September 30. Investigators said it was inspired by the 9/11 attacks. The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe during the flight.

The aircraft plunged 16,000 feet before the captain regained control. The plane landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. No passengers were seriously hurt in the ordeal.

The disclosure has shocked the aviation world. Airlines and regulators are expected to review cockpit safety rules after the incident. Flydubai said it is cooperating fully with investigators.

Al-Hammami is in custody in Saudi Arabia pending trial. The pilots’ union called for stronger cockpit security measures. Investigators are examining his background and possible motives. A final report is expected in the coming months.