Pilot describes fending off axe attack on Israel-bound flight

Key points

• A flydubai captain says he fought off repeated axe strikes to his head before escaping the cockpit and calling for help. Speaking to The National from hospital, Smit Machchhar said he struggled to stay conscious after being hit from behind by his co-pilot.
• He said he first feared damage to the aircraft's roof, which carried 174 passengers.
• Emirati authorities allege co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami tried to seize control and crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in a suicide attack; Australian authorities have not verified claims that he was radicalised while studying in Melbourne.