Stories
FlyDubai Incident: Not Just Captain Smit, 6-Year-Old Nina is a 'Hero'! How Did Little Nina Help?
- •A co-pilot attempted to hijack a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv by attacking Indian Captain Smit Machhar.
- •Six-year-old Nina Manes and her mother, Tali, were near the cockpit and helped alert passengers to the unfolding crisis.
- •Hearing screams and a struggle from the cockpit, Tali tried to alert the crew and assisted the severely injured captain.
- •As the plane rapidly descended 17,400 feet, Nina's father, Tzvika Manes, rushed to the cockpit after hearing his daughters' screams.
- •Tzvika and two other passengers subdued the accused co-pilot and aided the injured captain; a dentist on board played a crucial role in saving the captain's life.
Key Questions Answered
During FlyDubai flight FZ1073 carrying 174 passengers, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machhar with a knife and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. The flight experienced a rapid descent of 17,400 feet in 90 seconds before the attacker was subdued by passengers and the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Six-year-old Nina and her mother Tali heard screams and a struggle near the cockpit while heading to the lavatory, prompting Tali to alert the cabin crew and scream for help. Meanwhile, Nina's father Tzvika rushed forward after hearing his daughters cry, helping to restrain the accused co-pilot alongside other passengers.
Although there was no medical doctor on board, a dentist stepped forward to help treat the severely injured Captain Smit Machhar. The dentist provided the captain with oxygen and used blankets and available plane equipment to help stop the bleeding.
