Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar Fights Co-Pilot, Saves 174 Passengers Mid-Air
- •Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot at 34,000 feet during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, forcing a rapid descent.
- •Despite severe injuries and bleeding, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker.
- •Two off-duty pilots on board helped take control, and an Israeli dentist, Dr. Shota Musayev, treated Machchhar's injuries in the cockpit.
- •Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a hero for his bravery and quick thinking.
- •Machchhar, who has 17 years of flying experience, emphasized that his ultimate priority has always been a safe landing, a principle he upheld by risking his life.
Key Questions Answered
At 34,000 feet, Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit, causing the aircraft carrying 174 passengers to make a sharp descent. Despite suffering severe head injuries and heavy bleeding, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door so passengers and crew could overpower the attacker before the plane was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Two off-duty pilots traveling as passengers helped take control of the aircraft, while Israeli dentist Dr. Shota Musayev, who was also on board, treated Machchhar's injuries by stopping the bleeding and stabilizing his blood pressure.
Captain Smit Machchhar has been flying for 17 years and a captain for 11 years, joining SpiceJet in 2011 before moving to flydubai as a Boeing 737 captain in June 2022. He holds around 9,750 flying hours and previously worked as a senior commander and Line Training Captain.
