Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Oct 4: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during the cockpit attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, has given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a detailed account of the dramatic incident that unfolded during the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight on September 30.

Netanyahu spoke to Machchhar over a video call while the pilot was recovering in a hospital in the UAE. He enquired about his health and praised his courage during the emergency. Netanyahu also invited Machchhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel's Independence Day celebrations by lighting the ceremonial torch.

Machchhar told Netanyahu that the flight had been normal before the incident. The co-pilot had got up saying he wanted to pray, which Machchhar considered a normal occurrence.

Around four or five minutes later, Machchhar suddenly felt a powerful blow to the back of his head. He initially thought something had gone seriously wrong with the aircraft, but after further blows he realised that the co-pilot was attacking him.

The attack severely affected his vision. Machchhar tried to fight back but was seriously injured and became disoriented. He then realised that the aircraft was rapidly descending and that he needed to open the cockpit door to allow others to intervene.

Pilot opened cockpit door twice

Machchhar said he managed to open the cockpit door during the attack, but the co-pilot closed it again, causing him to fall to the floor.

Despite his injuries and severely blurred vision, Machchhar made another attempt. He said he realised he had one final opportunity and used all his remaining strength to reach the door and open it again.

Passengers and crew members waiting outside then entered the cockpit and overpowered the attacker. Two other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped regain control of the plane.

Machchhar also explained that the cockpit door could be opened from inside by twisting a knob, while those outside normally required a code to gain entry.

What happened aboard FZ1073?

Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the Omani co-pilot, identified in reports as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Machchhar using the emergency crash axe kept inside the cockpit.

The attack triggered a rapid descent of the aircraft. The flight was carrying 174 people, according to multiple reports. Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and other crew members to restrain the attacker.

The aircraft was diverted and eventually landed safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar and the co-pilot were subsequently taken for medical treatment.

The UAE has described the incident as an attempted terrorist act and said investigations are continuing into the circumstances and motive behind the attack. Reports have identified al-Hammami as an Omani national who had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about extremist views, although the investigation into his motive and any possible links remains ongoing.

Machchhar had earlier recounted the incident to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed, describing how he fought to open the cockpit door despite his injuries and the aircraft's dangerous descent.

Netanyahu praised Machchhar for his actions and described him as a hero, while inviting him and Modi to Israel's Independence Day ceremony.