Stories
Mid-Air Mayhem: Pilot Smit Machchhar Fights Off Attack, Lands Plane Safely
- •An Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, fought off an attack by his Omani co-pilot during a Fly Dubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- •The co-pilot reportedly attempted to take control of the plane and attacked Machchhar with a crash axe.
- •Despite severe injuries, Machchhar regained control, opened the cockpit door, and passengers subdued the co-pilot.
- •The plane was safely landed in Saudi Arabia, and Machchhar, from Mumbai, is now in stable condition after surgery.
- •Machchhar, with extensive experience including 9,750 hours at Fly Dubai and 11 years at SpiceJet, is being hailed as a hero.
Key Questions Answered
An argument broke out mid-air between Indian captain Smit Machchhar and the Omani co-pilot, who then tried to take control of the aircraft and stabbed Smit with a crash axe. Despite being severely injured and bleeding, Smit managed to regain control, open the cockpit door for passenger help, and safely land the plane in Saudi Arabia.
Smit Machchhar is an Indian pilot from Ghatkopar, Mumbai, who has been working for Fly Dubai since June 2022. He has flown Boeing 737, Max 8, and 9 aircraft for about 9,750 hours and previously worked for SpiceJet Airlines for 11 years as a Senior Commander and training captain.
Smit Machchhar was severely injured and rescued in a pool of blood following the mid-air altercation, but he has successfully undergone surgery and his condition is reported to be stable.
