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flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Suffers Skull Fracture and Vision Damage in Cockpit Attack
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Firstpost•06-10-2026, 17:34
flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Suffers Skull Fracture and Vision Damage in Cockpit Attack
- •Captain Smit Machchhar sustained a depressed skull fracture, damaged vision, and serious head and hand injuries after being attacked with a crash axe by Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami.
- •Machchhar underwent emergency reconstructive surgery in Saudi Arabia before being airlifted to a specialized medical facility in Abu Dhabi for ongoing treatment.
- •The brutal assault has also affected the captain's memory and caused intense headaches, requiring heavy doses of sedatives and continuous neurological monitoring.
- •Despite the severe trauma, doctors note that he is making gradual recovery progress by walking and eating, while working to fully restore his vision.
- •Captain Machchhar maintains a positive spirit and has expressed a strong desire to return to flying in the future.
Key Questions Answered
Captain Smit Machchhar suffered a depressed skull fracture, damaged vision, and serious head and hand injuries after being attacked with a crash axe by the co-pilot. The assault severely impacted his nerves and vision, and he also experienced temporary memory gaps.
Captain Machchhar underwent emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia, where doctors performed reconstructive surgery on his skull before he was airlifted to a specialized medical facility in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Captain Machchhar is currently receiving treatment at a specialized facility in Abu Dhabi under continuous neurological observation. He has started walking a few steps, eating, and maintaining a positive spirit while doctors work to fully restore his vision.
