Stories
Flydubai Pilot's Father Credits 'Inner Strength' for Averting Mid-Air Tragedy
- •Captain Smit Machchhar's father, Bhupendra Machchhar, credits divine grace and his son's determination for fighting off a co-pilot's attack on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, saving 180 lives.
- •The incident on September 30 involved the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacking Captain Machchhar, causing the aircraft to descend sharply before a distress signal was transmitted.
- •Despite significant head and hand injuries, Captain Machchhar resisted the attacker, alerted the crew, and helped overpower the assailant, leading to a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •Two off-duty pilots on board assisted in regaining control of the aircraft, and all 180 occupants disembarked without injury.
- •UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the incident as a "dangerous terrorist act," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested radical Islamist indoctrination and a suicide attempt.
Key Questions Answered
An Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, causing the aircraft to descend sharply. The captain and crew successfully resisted the attack and overpowered the assailant, allowing two off-duty pilots to safely land the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all 180 occupants unharmed.
Captain Smit Machchhar sustained significant injuries to his head and both hands during the confrontation. He underwent head surgery, received multiple stitches, and is currently recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital.
Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar reached the cockpit door to alert the crew and passengers, who helped overpower the attacker using earphone cords and plastic cuffs. Two off-duty pilots aboard then assisted in regaining control of the aircraft and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
