Stories
6-Year-Old's Scream Saves Flight: Captain Smit Fights Off Co-Pilot in Mid-Air Drama.
- •Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv faced a mid-air crisis when an Omani co-pilot attempted to crash the plane at 35,000 feet.
- •A 6-year-old girl, Nina, insisted on going to the washroom near the cockpit, where she and her mother witnessed Captain Smit Machhar fighting the co-pilot.
- •Nina's mother, Tali Manes, screamed upon seeing the violent struggle and blood inside the cockpit, alerting other passengers.
- •Despite multiple stab wounds, Captain Smit bravely pressed the emergency lock release button, allowing passengers to enter the cockpit.
- •Passengers Zvika Manes, Yaniv Hayun (a plumber), and Asif Razuan (a dentist) subdued the attacker and provided first aid to the injured captain, saving the flight.
Key Questions Answered
While heading to the restroom near the cockpit, 6-year-old Nina's mother, Tali Manes, noticed the cockpit door slightly open and witnessed the extremist co-pilot stabbing Indian Captain Smit Machhar. She immediately screamed for help, alerting passengers and prompting action.
Although he fell to the cockpit floor covered in blood after suffering dozens of knife wounds, Captain Smit Machhar maintained his presence of mind and cleverly pressed the emergency lock release button. This allowed passengers outside to enter the cockpit and subdue the attacker.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he will honor three ordinary citizens—Yaniv Hayun, Zvika Manes, and Asif Razuan—with the prestigious 'Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism' for averting the disaster.
