Indian Pilot Stabbed by Co-Pilot Opens Cockpit Door to Avert flydubai Crash

Attack on flydubai Flight

Captain Smit Machchhar, 39, was stabbed in the head and chest by his co-pilot on flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday, causing the jet to drop nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. [5] The aircraft was carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the attack occurred. [2] Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot. [5] A second pair of pilots then took control and landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. [2] The jet reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds during the incident. [2] A colleague noted that the co-pilot apparently stood up and hit Machchhar on the side of the head before also striking him in the chest. [5] Another pilot observed that Machchhar appeared to have squawked the hijack transponder code 7500. [5]

Captain Machchhar's Account to Modi

Smit Machchhar spoke by video call from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recounting the incident and crediting God for saving him. [2] Machchhar, seen with a tube in his nose and bandages on his head and hands, wiped away tears as he narrated his ordeal during the nearly 10-minute clip. [2] He said, “I knew that the aircraft was going down … I had fallen to the ground. I told myself that the door is right there, just open it. I managed to do it and people entered.” [2] Machchhar added, “I have been flying for the last 17 years, have been a captain for the last 11 years. I knew that the aircraft was going down.” [2] He told the prime minister he recited a Hindu prayer to the monkey god Hanuman during the ordeal. [2] Modi praised Machchhar’s bravery and said his presence of mind saved lives and saved the reputation of Indian pilots. [2] An emotional Machchhar stated, “I know God saved me.” [2] Machchhar was covered with blood and on the floor when he managed to open the cockpit door. [2]

Trump Comments on Possible Iran Link

US President Donald Trump stated that the co-pilot may have links to Iran as the investigation continues. [3] Trump told reporters that, based on information he had received, there could be an Iranian connection to the co-pilot. [3] The president made the remarks on Thursday while investigations into the incident remain ongoing. [3]

Background on Captain Smit Machchhar

Machchhar is described as a calm and respected captain with 17 years of flying experience. [5] He previously worked for SpiceJet and became a line trainer at flydubai after moving to Dubai around 2022. [5] Friends and colleagues recall him as the most calm, composed and down-to-earth person. [5] A friend from flying school days said, “Smit is the most calm, composed and down-to-earth person you could ever meet.” [5] Another colleague described him as one of the calmest and most fun guys possible, noting he is family-oriented. [5] At M D Bhatia School, where he passed Class 10 in 2003, a school friend remembered him as straightforward and bindass. [5] Machchhar earned his commercial pilot licence at Mainland Aviation College in New Zealand in the late 2000s, where classmates turned to him for help with hard subjects. [5] He and his wife Sonal have two children: Krishay, 2, and Ziva, 9. [5] Neighbours recalled practical kindnesses, such as arranging for a colleague to bring coffee from Kenya. [5]

Investigation and Aftermath

The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia after passengers and crew subdued the attacker. [2] A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Machchhar’s action allowed a second pair of flydubai pilots to take control. [2] The investigation into the co-pilot continues, with Trump noting possible Iranian links based on information received. [3] Machchhar’s parents informed their society’s WhatsApp group that their son was recovering. [5] Former classmates have been posting prayers for his recovery. [5] Colleagues noted that Machchhar’s bravery included getting the aircraft straight and level after the dive despite being attacked and managing to open the cockpit door before passing out. [5]

What to watch next: Investigations into the co-pilot’s possible connections continue while Machchhar recovers in Abu Dhabi.