Indian pilot Smit Machchhar is being praised by the leaders of India and Israel after surviving a violent cockpit attack and helping prevent a flydubai passenger jet from crashing during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The Boeing 737 carrying 174 people was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following the September 30 security incident. Israeli officials said Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot during an alleged attempt to bring down the aircraft, although investigators have not yet established a motive.
Aircraft Plunges Thousands of Feet During Cockpit Struggle
The crisis unfolded aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 while the aircraft was travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Israel.
According to Israeli officials, Machchhar was attacked and stabbed inside the cockpit before the aircraft entered a rapid descent, losing nearly 14,000 feet of altitude in less than 30 seconds.
Despite suffering serious injuries, the captain remained conscious long enough to take an action that proved crucial to the passengers’ survival.
Injured Captain Manages to Unlock Cockpit
Machchhar was reportedly bleeding heavily when he managed to activate the mechanism that released the cockpit door.
Opening the door allowed passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the co-pilot. Two additional flydubai pilots who happened to be travelling aboard the aircraft were then able to take control and bring the jet safely down in Tabuk.
All 174 people aboard survived the incident.
Netanyahu Credits Machchhar With Saving 174 Lives
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly praised Machchhar following the emergency, crediting the Indian captain with helping save everyone aboard the aircraft.
Netanyahu described him as a hero and said his actions protected Israeli citizens as well as passengers of other nationalities. He also characterized what happened aboard the aircraft as an extremely serious security incident.
Saudi authorities are investigating the co-pilot and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Modi Says India Is Proud of Injured Pilot
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Machchhar, highlighting his actions despite the injuries he sustained during the confrontation.
Modi said the captain demonstrated extraordinary courage while facing extreme danger and remained focused on protecting those aboard the aircraft.
He said Machchhar’s actions helped prevent a major tragedy and declared that India was proud of him.
Machchhar Recovering in Saudi Hospital
Following the emergency landing, Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Tabuk for treatment.
India’s embassy in Saudi Arabia said he was in stable condition and receiving necessary medical care. Indian diplomatic officials have also remained in contact with his family and Saudi authorities.
Machchhar reportedly underwent surgery following the attack and continues to recover from his injuries.
Experienced Captain Previously Flew for SpiceJet
Machchhar, who comes from Mumbai, has extensive experience flying commercial aircraft.
He spent more than a decade working for Indian carrier SpiceJet before joining flydubai. Reports indicate that he has accumulated approximately 9,750 flying hours and more than 13 years of aviation experience, including work as a training captain.
His aviation career has now attracted international attention because of his actions during the mid-air emergency.
Cause of Attack Remains Under Investigation
Despite growing international attention surrounding the incident, authorities have yet to establish why the cockpit confrontation occurred.
Flydubai has cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigators determine the circumstances behind the attack.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that Flight FZ1073 experienced a security incident requiring an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia and said investigators were examining both operational and security aspects of what happened.
Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights as Investigation Continues
Flydubai subsequently suspended services to and from Israel while authorities investigate the extraordinary incident.
Saudi authorities are expected to question the co-pilot as investigators attempt to determine whether the alleged attempt to crash the aircraft was motivated by terrorism or another cause. No motive had been established publicly at the time of reporting.
For Machchhar, meanwhile, attention has shifted to his recovery after a cockpit confrontation that could have ended in disaster for everyone aboard Flight FZ1073.
