Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 1: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been credited with helping avert a major mid-air disaster after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him and attempted to take control of a Flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The incident occurred on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, on Wednesday, September 30. The aircraft was carrying 174 people, according to Reuters, when a physical altercation broke out between the two pilots while the flight was over Jordan. The co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national, allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar during the confrontation.
During the struggle, the aircraft reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, falling from around 34,000 feet to about 20,000 feet. The flight transmitted an emergency code followed by code 7500, indicating unlawful interference. Israeli fighter aircraft were reportedly scrambled after the signal was received.
According to reports, Captain Machchhar, despite being seriously injured and bleeding, managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. Two other Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft as passengers subsequently took control of the aircraft.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia and landed safely. The passengers later continued their journey to Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft. The suspected attacker was taken into custody by Saudi authorities, while the circumstances and motive behind the incident remain under investigation. Flydubai has confirmed that an altercation took place on the flight and has urged against premature speculation.
Captain Machchhar, who is based in Dubai, has more than a decade of commercial flying experience. Reports state that he joined Flydubai in 2022 after spending about 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a senior commander and Line Training Captain. He has extensive experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft and has also been involved in pilot training and mentoring.
Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar's actions and said his response helped prevent a catastrophic disaster. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also publicly praised the Indian pilot's courage and determination.
Captain Machchhar is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Tabuk. The Embassy of India in Riyadh said he is reported to be in stable condition and that the embassy and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah are closely monitoring his health. The missions are also in contact with his family and Saudi authorities.
Flydubai has temporarily suspended its scheduled flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv for six days while authorities investigate the incident. The airline said the suspension would allow the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident.