Stories
Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Recounts Heroic flydubai Cockpit Attack to Netanyahu
- •Indian pilot Smit Machchhar detailed to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu how he fought to regain control of a flydubai flight after being attacked by his co-pilot.
- •Machchhar initially thought the aircraft suffered damage but realized he was under attack when blows continued after his co-pilot asked to pray.
- •Despite being badly injured and disoriented, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and take control.
- •He explained that he twisted an internal knob to open the door, a difficult feat while injured, as the co-pilot blocked external access.
- •Netanyahu praised Machchhar's courage, calling him a hero and inviting him and PM Narendra Modi to light a flame on Israel's Independence Day.
Key Questions Answered
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recounted to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he was struck in the back of the head while turning away out of respect as his co-pilot prayed. Despite suffering blurred vision and a rapid aircraft descent, Machchhar mustered his remaining strength to twist the internal cockpit door knob open, allowing waiting individuals to step in and take control.
Machchhar clarified that there was no pin involved, explaining that the cockpit door can be opened from the inside with a short, quick twist of a standard knob. Although external colleagues were blocked from entering via the access code, Machchhar managed to reach and twist the internal knob despite his severe injuries.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a hero for Israel, India, and the world, and invited both Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame during Israel’s Independence Day ceremony.
