Woman passenger stabs pilots of Air New Zealand chartered flight

Canterbury: At approximately 7.40am today, a May Day call was received via the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre from an Air New Zealand chartered flight travelling 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 passenger from India
There were seven passengers on
board including the suspect
comprised of four New Zealanders,
one man from Victoria in Australia
and one person from India.
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One pilot received cuts to his hand and arm and the second pilot received a wound to the foot. It is alleged that a knife caused these injuries.
There were seven passengers on board including the suspect comprised of four New Zealanders, one man from Victoria in Australia and one person from India.
It was claimed by the female passenger that she had bombs on board the aircraft.
Aviation Security were alerted and Police notified.
The airport was secured and emergency services were placed on standby.
The pilots successfully landed the aircraft at Christchurch Airport at approximately 8.06 am and it was immediately cordoned by Police with Ambulance and Fire support.
Passengers exited the aircraft through the rear and were immediately taken from the area by Police.
The pilots requested Police board the plane.
Police Armed Offender Squad Dog Handlers entered the plane and apprehended the woman.
Ambulance have treated and taken to hospital the two pilots.
Their injuries are not life threatening. One passenger received a minor injury that was treated at the scene.
Passengers are with Police and are being interviewed to confirm exactly what has taken place. The female passenger is in custody and is understood to have a minor cut to the hand which was also treated at the scene.
Enquiries are being conducted by the Blenheim Police as to the identity and background of the suspect.
It is not known whether a bomb is on board and for that reason, the aircraft has been cordoned and the army bomb disposal team have been called to determine whether a bomb is on board.
08/02/08 Dave Cliff, Superintendent of Police , Canterbury/ New Zealand Police, New Zealand

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Categories: Foreign Feb 2008, Safety Feb 2008