iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Hamam al-Hammami is the name media reports have given for the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flight FZ1073. The identification has not been publicly confirmed by officials, according to Al Jazeera. UAE authorities described the event as an attempted terrorist operation, but motive and possible connections remained under investigation in the cited reporting.
What happened aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Al Jazeera reported that the aircraft descended sharply after more than two hours in flight. Passengers and crew entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot; two reserve pilots aboard then took control and landed safely in Tabuk, in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The report said 174 people were aboard.
Al Jazeera’s account, citing flight-tracking data, said the aircraft lost more than 17,000 feet in about two minutes, leveled at approximately 15,000 feet and landed at 9:45 a.m. local time. These are reported tracking details, not independently verified flight-data findings.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
UAE authorities said the co-pilot attacked Machchhar with the aircraft’s emergency crash axe and attempted to take control. They characterized the incident as an attempted terrorist operation. That is the authorities’ description, not a final legal finding about the suspect’s guilt or motive.
#1 Best Overall
- COMFORTABLE ERGONOMIC HOTAS DESIGN - Fly for hours without fatigue thanks to the wide hand rest and real size ergonomically shaped throttle control that keeps your hands in a natural position. Every flight sim session feels as immersive as sitting in an actual cockpit with your favorite flight simulator controller setup.
- FULLY PROGRAMMABLE FLIGHT CONTROLS - Customize all 12 action buttons and 5 axes to match your preferred flight sim setup, giving you instant command over every function in your joystick for flight simulator games, whether you are navigating civil aviation routes or engaging in intense military combat maneuvers across your favorite titles.
- DETACHABLE THROTTLE FOR FLEXIBLE SETUP - Separate the full size throttle from the joystick to create your ideal flight sim cockpit mount configuration, or keep them connected for a compact desktop arrangement, giving you the versatility to build the perfect hotas flight stick arrangement that suits your space and play style.
- PRECISION JOYSTICK WITH ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE - Enjoy pinpoint accuracy with a high precision flight joystick featuring a resistance dial that lets you fine tune stick tension to your liking, plus dual rudder control via handle rotation or progressive tilting lever so your aerial maneuvers feel smooth and perfectly responsive every single flight.
- PLUG AND PLAY INSTANT TAKEOFF READY - Skip complicated configuration and start flying immediately with preconfigured controls, an exclusive preset button to swap profiles on the fly, and built-in memory that saves your custom programming even when the flight stick is disconnected, ensuring you are always ready for your next mission.
What is reported about al-Hammami’s background?
Nationality and family background
Al Jazeera reported that CNN, citing a source and an Israeli official, described al-Hammami as an Omani citizen born in the United Arab Emirates to a Syrian mother. These details come from attributed media reporting, rather than a public official confirmation of his identity.
Reported aviation employment
Al Jazeera said a LinkedIn profile bearing his name listed seven years at Oman Air before February 2025, followed by a Royal Air Maroc role from June 2025 to January 2026. Those dates are profile-listed information reported by Al Jazeera; they are not an independently authenticated employment record.
Rank #2
- REALISTIC FLIGHT SIMULATOR CONTROL - Experience true hands-on flying with a precision HOTAS joystick and throttle system designed for immersive flight simulator gameplay. Ideal for flight simulation.
- ERGONOMIC FLIGHT STICK DESIGN - Comfortable flight stick joystick with adjustable resistance, responsive trigger, hat switch, and multiple programmable buttons for smooth aircraft control during takeoff, landing, and combat maneuvers.
- DETACHABLE THROTTLE FOR VERSATILE SETUPS - Modular design allows the flight stick and throttle to be used together on a desk or separately on your lap, ideal for cockpit, desk, or casual flight simulator setups.
- PLUG & PLAY FOR PC & CONSOLE - Easy USB connection delivers instant compatibility with Windows PC and Xbox Series X|S. This flight simulator controller requires no complex setup and works seamlessly with most popular flight sim software.
- ADAPTED FOR ALL FLIGHT SIMULATION TYPES – Adjustable joystick resistance and ergonomically placed buttons deliver precise control across all aircraft categories. Ideal for commercial aviation, combat jets, and helicopters, making it perfect for both beginner pilots and seasoned flight sim enthusiasts.
University study
Buckinghamshire New University told Al Jazeera that al-Hammami had completed a distance-learning course in aviation management and had not undertaken pilot training at the university. The statement does not establish that the course qualified him as a pilot.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What has been reported about prior security concerns?
The Wall Street Journal, as reported by Al Jazeera, cited unnamed sources claiming Omani authorities had barred al-Hammami from flying in Oman over concerns about alleged extremist views. The reporting did not establish what those views were or whether Oman informed other governments or airlines.
Rank #3
- Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision. Customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demand.System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
- New Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
- RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
- Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease
- Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock
ABC News separately reported, citing senior intelligence and law-enforcement officials, that extremist materials were found in his possession while he was an Oman Air co-pilot trainee in 2024, and that he later continued in an administrative role. The cited reporting did not provide the materials or an official public determination of their meaning. These remain attributed allegations, not established findings about motive or guilt.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What remains unknown?
- Officials had not publicly confirmed al-Hammami’s identity in Al Jazeera’s cited account, despite media reports naming him.
- The available reporting did not establish a motive or whether anyone else was connected to the incident.
- It did not specify the alleged extremist material or establish whether Omani authorities shared their concerns with Flydubai or other governments.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said investigators would work “to uncover all the circumstances of the incident, its motives, and related connections, in addition to completing technical examinations and examining physical and digital evidence,” as quoted by Al Jazeera.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PINPOINT HALL EFFECT PRECISION - Experience drift free accuracy that never degrades over time thanks to Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor technology, giving you the reliable and consistent control you need for every flight simulator joystick session, from delicate landings to intense dogfights, so your inputs always translate perfectly into the cockpit.
- FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS ERGONOMIC DESIGN - Fly comfortably whether you are left handed or right handed with three removable and swappable components that let you tailor this pc joystick to your dominant hand, ensuring hours of fatigue free flying with a grip that feels custom built just for you, no matter which flight sim controller setup you prefer.
- 16 BUTTONS PLUS HAT SWITCH - Command every function at your fingertips with 16 action buttons featuring braille style physical identification so you never need to look away from the screen, plus an 8 way point of view hat switch that gives you instant situational awareness in any flight simulator controller scenario you encounter.
- FOUR INDEPENDENT AXES WITH RUDDER - Take full control of pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle using four independent axes including a built in twist rudder, eliminating the need for separate pedals and giving you a complete experience that handles every maneuver in your favorite joystick for flight simulator titles with smooth responsiveness.
- CUSTOMIZABLE PROFILES WITH TARGET SOFTWARE - Load or create detailed button mapping profiles for every game in your library using Thrustmaster's powerful T.A.R.G.E.T programming software, so your flight stick is always perfectly configured whether you are exploring space sims, combat missions, or civilian aviation with fully personalized controls.
Rank #4
- 【With Vibration Function】This flight stick is ONLY for PC/Computer and ONLY compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11 (Mac/Apple computers/Apple devices/PS3/PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Switch not supported).PXN2113 PRO gaming joystick for pc will never let you down with realistic fly experience. Compatible with many flight joystick pc games: World of Tanks,World of Warplanes,War Thunder,Assault Horizon,Microsoft Flight Simulator,X Plane 10,etc. Vibration Switch is at the bottom,please switch to“ON”.If less than 20%,you will almost not feel the vibration.Please set the vibration strength in the driver to 50% or higher for this joystick pc flight simulator.
- 【Immersive Fly Experience for Your Flying Dream】You can make the right moves with rapid fire trigger,4 axis controlling,8-Way hat switch and 12 programmable buttons of this computer joystick for gaming pc flight.Advanced software,Support various custom adjustment and keyboard mapping,enjoy exciting joystick flight simulator controls for pc games now! Not only a game, but also a dream of flying!
- 【FAQ】:Q1:Why doesn't it work on my pc/Xbox? A: It is ONLY for PC and Windows 7/8/10/11(Not for Mac/Apple devices/Xbox).Please turn on pc First and then connect with this joystick.If not,some pc may not identify it. Q2: How to install the driver? A: No need to install the driver and can play games directly.If you need driver,please find "Installation" section in manual or follow below steps: 1:Visit PXN official website→Support→Driver→Find PXN-2113PRO driver to download. 2:Extract the driver and install. 3:Plug joystick into PC USB port,pc will identify new hardware and install automatically. 4:Play games or set the joystick in driver.The drive can test and calibrate the pc flight joystick.
- 【Comfortable to Hold, Agile to Operate】This usb joystick for pc is with a solid and smooth feeling,very comfortable.Four power-grip suction cups at the bottom of this pc joystick for flight simulator pc games,they can fix firmly and easily when the table is smooth.Precise throttle control,Ergonomic design,Single hand control full function with this flight joystick for pc games.(Note:Force Feedback/Minecraft/Asphalt 8/Ace Combat 7 not supported).This Flight simulation pc controller with Friendly and Easy-to-Reach Customer Service.If any problem,please contact us directly(Contact Seller),Fengying will reply within 12 hours.
- 【Setup Guide for Microsoft Flight Simulator】For PXN 2113 flight sim joystick pc setup in Microsoft Flight Simulation,please refer to below images and follow below steps: Step 1: Launch the game and click"MENU.FLOWBAR_ OPTIONS",select“MENU.OPTIONS CONTROLS". Step 2: Except the keyboard and mouse mode, also have joystick mode in game.Please click“GENERIC USB JOYSTICK" to map the key. (Note:The joystick should be plugged into PC before this setting). Step 3: For function settings,take “INPUT.KEY_ _SWITCH_ CAMERA"as an example,scroll down to select“Select an input",click No.12 button,finally click“VALIDATE”to save.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors
