Passenger Attacks Pilots With a Knife on a New Zealand Flight

Early Friday morning a May Day call was received via the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre from an Air New Zealand chartered flight traveling from Blenheim to Christchurch (plane chartered from Air National Auckland).

A 33 year old female passenger who is understood to be a Blenheim resident of African ethnicity was reported to have attacked the pilots during the flight.

One pilot received cuts to his hand and arm and the second pilot received a wound to the foot. One of the seven passengers on board was wielding a knife claiming that she had bombs on board the aircraft.

Aviation Security were alerted and Police notified and the airport was secured with emergency services placed on standby. After a successful landing at Christchurch Airport the plane was immediately cordoned off by Police with Ambulance and Fire support. Passengers exited the aircraft through the rear and the police boarded the aircraft at the pilots’ request.

Armed Offender Squad Dog Handlers entered the plane and apprehended the woman whilst the pilots were treated and taken to hospital.

Their injuries were not life threatening. One passenger also received a minor injury that was treated at the scene.

Passengers were interviewed by the police to confirm exactly what happened. The passengers comprised of four New Zealanders, one man from Victoria in Australia and one person from India.

The suspect has been arrested and charged with hijacking, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and injuring with intent to injure (x2). The hijacking charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.Net News Publisher