Flydubai Captain Describes Fighting for Passengers' Lives During Co-Pilot Attack in Cockpit
Flydubai's Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, recounted fighting to save the lives of passengers during an attack by his co-pilot in the cockpit.
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of a Flydubai aircraft, has revealed he fought for his own life and the lives of the passengers when his co-pilot attacked him in the cockpit. The plane, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, lost over 17,000 feet in altitude after the assault. Captain Machchhar shared his harrowing experience with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlights
- Captain Smit Machchhar resisted the co-pilot's attack, determined to remain conscious and maintain control of the aircraft.
- Despite being injured and on the floor, he realized the plane was descending rapidly and made a final push to open the cockpit door from the inside.
- Passengers and crew members subsequently intervened, overpowering the assailant and regaining control to land the plane safely.
- The aircraft was forced to divert and make an emergency landing in Tabuk, a city in north-western Saudi Arabia.
- Captain Machchhar has been lauded as a "true hero" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Details
Captain Machchhar explained that while lying injured on the cockpit floor, he realized the plane was losing altitude uncontrollably. "I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," he stated. The intervention of other crew members and passengers helped to subdue the attacker, allowing the aircraft to be brought back under control. This incident occurred approximately two and a half hours into the flight, and the safe landing in Tabuk is considered a significant achievement.
Machchhar, who has 17 years of flying experience, mentioned that he can sense what is happening to the plane even with his eyes closed. Following the attack, the captain was hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition and recovering well. India's Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, also visited Captain Machchhar, expressing pride in his bravery.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the critical importance of aviation safety and the swift, accurate decision-making of crew members during crises. Captain Machchhar's personal courage and professionalism averted a potential catastrophe, saving the lives of hundreds of passengers. The event also brings to light the significance of cockpit security and the dynamics within the flight crew.