Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has recounted a harrowing incident aboard a flydubai flight, where he was attacked by his co-pilot mid-flight. The altercation occurred during a journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv, compelling Machchhar to regain control of the aircraft to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Currently recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, Machchhar shared the ordeal with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via a video call. Despite sustaining multiple injuries, he emphasized the necessity to get back on his feet to safeguard the 182 people on board. After the attack, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to enter and subdue the co-pilot as the aircraft descended steeply.
The Boeing 737 was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, was subsequently detained in Saudi Arabia. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation.
During the incident, Machchhar found solace in reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, a prayer he described as a source of courage while battling to protect the passengers. The Mumbai-born pilot has been with flydubai for approximately four years and previously accumulated over a decade of flying experience with SpiceJet.