The Mumbai-born pilot was injured when his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
An Indian captain flying for Dubai-based airline flydubai helped avert a potential aviation disaster after he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to reports published on Wednesday.
Captain Smit Machchhar, an experienced Boeing 737 pilot, was at the controls of flight FZ1073 when the incident occurred on September 30. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers, experienced a sudden and steep loss of altitude during the confrontation inside the cockpit, prompting an emergency response.
According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar with a knife and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Flight-tracking data indicated that the plane lost more than 14,000 feet in altitude in a short period, raising concerns about the safety of those on board.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing cabin crew and passengers to enter and help subdue the alleged attacker. Other pilots travelling on the aircraft also assisted in responding to the emergency
The Boeing 737 subsequently diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Machchhar and the co-pilot were taken to hospital following the incident. Reports on October 1 said the Indian captain was in a stable condition.
Machchhar, who is from Mumbai, has more than a decade of commercial aviation experience. He previously worked with Indian airline SpiceJet for about 11 years before joining flydubai. He has served as a captain with the Dubai-based carrier since June 2022, according to published reports.
The incident drew reactions from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who publicly praised the captain’s actions in helping prevent a potential tragedy.
Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the cockpit confrontation. The co-pilot’s motive has not been established publicly, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.
