Captain Smit Machchhar and passengers who helped bring the Flydubai flight to safety (Img: Dynamite News)
Dubai: A cockpit attack, a plunging aircraft and seconds to act Flydubai Flight FZ1073 turned into a terrifying mid-air emergency before the aircraft was finally brought safely to the ground in Saudi Arabia.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was reportedly stabbed by his co-pilot while the Boeing 737 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The aircraft then went into a steep descent, dropping thousands of feet in a matter of seconds. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
According to accounts from passengers and officials, Machchhar was left bleeding inside the cockpit after the confrontation. His decision to open the cockpit door proved crucial as passengers rushed in and helped restrain the attacker.
Also Read: ‘Head Sliced, Hands Severely Injured’: Dentist Recalls Smit Machchhar’s Ordeal
Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun, described as a plumber, was among those who entered the cockpit. He helped overpower the co-pilot and briefly assisted in stabilising the aircraft before other pilots took over.
Dr Shota Musaev, a dentist travelling on the flight, also rushed towards the cockpit after hearing screams.
Musaev later described Machchhar as suffering serious cuts to his head and hands and having lost a significant amount of blood. He said he immediately began providing medical assistance and also helped restrain the attacker using items available inside the aircraft.
His medical training became critical in the chaotic moments before the plane could be stabilised.
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The rescue effort did not end with the passengers. Several off-duty pilots were reportedly travelling on the aircraft and entered the cockpit after the emergency began.
They helped stabilise the Boeing 737 and ultimately brought it in for an emergency landing at Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. All 174 people aboard survived the incident.
The exact circumstances and motive behind the cockpit confrontation remain under investigation. Flydubai has also urged against premature speculation about what triggered the incident.
Also Read: PM Modi Hails Hero Smit Machchhar: How Indian Pilot Saved 174 Lives After Flydubai Attack
Captain Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk. Indian officials said he was in stable condition and that authorities were in contact with his family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi separately praised Machchhar for showing courage while seriously injured and helping protect the lives of those aboard.
