Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Stable After Foiling Alleged Flydubai Cockpit Attack
Captain Smit Machchhar is stable after being injured while stopping an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is in stable condition after being seriously injured while reportedly foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The flight, FZ1073, was carrying 174 people when the incident occurred on Wednesday. According to Indian officials, Machchhar is receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah monitoring his condition and remaining in contact with his family.
Reports said the co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national, allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds during the incident.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar is reported to have managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and overpower the co-pilot. Two other Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then helped land the plane safely in Tabuk.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for his actions. Modi described his courage and resolve as instrumental in preventing a major tragedy.
Saudi authorities are investigating the incident, while Indian officials continue to monitor the pilot’s recovery and provide assistance to his family.
