An Indian pilot’s quick thinking and bravery averted potential disaster when he was attacked by his co-pilot during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Captain Smit Machchhar, who is now recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, recounted the harrowing experience during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite suffering multiple injuries, Machchhar emphasized the need to regain control of the aircraft to ensure the safety of the passengers on board.
During the mid-air incident, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers to enter and subdue the co-pilot as the aircraft was making a steep descent. The Boeing 737, carrying 182 people, was then diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it executed an emergency landing. The co-pilot, an Omani national, was detained in Saudi Arabia, and the motive behind the attack is currently under investigation.
Machchhar, who hails from Mumbai and has been with flydubai for about four years, described reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, an Indian prayer, during the ordeal. He noted that the prayer provided him with courage as he fought to protect the lives of those on board. Prior to his tenure at flydubai, Machchhar accumulated extensive flying experience over more than a decade with SpiceJet.
As investigations continue, the incident highlights the critical importance of pilot training and composure in emergency situations. Machchhar’s actions have been widely praised, underscoring the vital role pilots play in ensuring passenger safety even under extreme circumstances.