Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar recounted a harrowing experience during a flydubai flight when he was attacked by his co-pilot. The incident occurred on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, and Machchhar realized he needed to regain control of the aircraft to ensure the safety of the passengers on board.
Machchhar, who is currently recovering from multiple injuries in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, shared his experience during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot. This act of bravery occurred while the Boeing 737, carrying 182 people, was in a steep descent.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. The co-pilot, an Omani national, was detained by Saudi authorities, and the motive behind the attack is still under investigation.
During the ordeal, Machchhar found strength by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu prayer, which he described as a source of courage. The Mumbai-born pilot has been with flydubai for about four years and has extensive flying experience, having worked for SpiceJet for more than a decade prior.