During a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar faced a life-threatening situation when attacked by his co-pilot. Machchhar, who is currently recovering in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, recounted the harrowing experience and his determination to regain control of the aircraft to ensure the safety of the passengers on board.
Speaking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video call, Machchhar detailed how he suffered multiple injuries during the attack but realized the urgency of the situation required him to act swiftly. Despite the severity of his injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot as the plane made a steep descent.
The Boeing 737, carrying 182 people, was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation, and the co-pilot, an Omani national, has been detained in Saudi Arabia following the incident. Machchhar credited the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu prayer, as a source of courage that helped him through the ordeal.
With over a decade of flying experience with SpiceJet before joining flydubai four years ago, the Mumbai-born pilot has accumulated thousands of hours in the air. His quick thinking and bravery during the attack have been highlighted as instrumental in preventing a potential disaster.
