Stories
Pilot Smit Machchhar Recounts Cockpit Attack to Netanyahu, Hailed as Hero
- •Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his Omani co-pilot in the Flydubai cockpit.
- •Smit initially thought the plane had a mechanical issue, later realizing his co-pilot was assaulting him.
- •Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu praised Smit's bravery and invited him to Israel's Independence Day celebration.
- •Smit detailed how the co-pilot attacked him after standing for prayer, causing the plane to descend rapidly.
- •Smit managed to open the cockpit door, leading to intervention; Netanyahu called him a 'hero' for saving lives.
Key Questions Answered
Captain Smit Machchhar detailed that his Omani co-pilot suddenly attacked him with repeated blows to the head while praying. Initially thinking the plane was damaged, Machchhar soon realized his co-pilot was hitting him, causing his vision to blur as the aircraft rapidly descended.
Machchhar stated that after lying on the cockpit floor and gathering his remaining strength, he managed to reach the door's turn-to-open knob from the inside. Although the co-pilot had tried to keep others out and closed it once, Machchhar used his final strength to turn the knob, allowing waiting colleagues to enter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's extraordinary bravery, calling him a hero of Israel, India, and the world. Netanyahu also invited him and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light the ceremonial torch at Israel's upcoming Independence Day celebration.
