In a harrowing incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar fought to regain control of the aircraft after being attacked by his co-pilot. Machchhar, who is currently recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, recounted the ordeal, emphasizing the urgency to protect the passengers’ lives.
The attack occurred during the flight, prompting Machchhar to act swiftly. Despite suffering multiple injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. This action was crucial as the Boeing 737, carrying 182 people, was in a steep descent at the time.
The plane was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. Machchhar was seriously injured and immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. The motive behind the co-pilot’s attack remains under investigation, and the co-pilot, an Omani national, was detained in Saudi Arabia following the incident.
During the critical moments of the attack, Machchhar drew strength by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, a prayer he described as a source of courage. His quick thinking and bravery were pivotal in ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
Captain Machchhar, originally from Mumbai, has been with flydubai for approximately four years. Prior to this, he accumulated extensive flying experience over a decade with SpiceJet. The incident has raised concerns about cockpit security and the investigation into the co-pilot’s actions continues.