Captain Smit Machchhar says he was fighting for his life when he realised the aircraft was descending and decided to give passengers access to the cockpit
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has recounted the dramatic moments aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv after he was allegedly attacked and seriously injured by his co-pilot during the journey.
Speaking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, Machchhar said his immediate concern was survival, but he remained conscious of the danger facing everyone aboard the aircraft.
The pilot told Modi that he realised the plane was losing altitude while he was badly wounded and lying on the cockpit floor. He then managed to reach the cockpit door and open it, allowing passengers and other crew members to enter and intervene.
“I was trying to save my own life, but I knew I could not let all those people die,” Machchhar said during the conversation.
Pilot Recounts Moments After Attack
Machchhar, who has about 17 years of aviation experience, said he had sustained multiple injuries and had collapsed when he became aware that the aircraft was descending.
He explained that despite his condition, he understood the seriousness of the situation and made a final effort to open the cockpit door.
According to his account, passengers subsequently entered the cockpit and helped restrain the co-pilot while control of the aircraft was restored.
The incident occurred aboard a Flydubai Boeing 737 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Reports said the aircraft experienced a sharp loss of altitude during the confrontation before other crew members and passengers helped stabilise the situation.
Plane Diverted to Saudi Arabia
Following the emergency, the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing.
Initial reports indicated that the plane descended rapidly by thousands of feet during the incident. Flight data cited by multiple reports showed a descent of roughly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
The aircraft was carrying 174 people according to reports cited by Reuters and other outlets, although some subsequent reports have given different passenger counts.
Other pilots and passengers reportedly assisted in regaining control of the aircraft before the emergency landing.
Modi Praises Captain Machchhar
During the hospital conversation, Modi praised Machchhar for his actions during the crisis and expressed concern for his recovery.
The Indian prime minister had earlier described the captain as having demonstrated courage while facing a life-threatening situation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar and passengers who intervened during the incident, saying their actions helped prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the confrontation inside the cockpit.
Initial reports have described the incident as an alleged attack by the co-pilot, while authorities work to establish what led to the confrontation and the events that followed.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israeli authorities have been involved in inquiries surrounding the incident, while the co-pilot remains subject to investigation. The motive behind the alleged attack has not been conclusively established.
Machchhar remains under medical care following the injuries he sustained during the confrontation.
