‘I couldn’t let everybody else die,’ says hero Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, tell me about this news today

Captain Smit Machchhar, a 39-year-old Indian commander for flydubai, has received global praise for averting a catastrophic mid-air disaster aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

During the flight at cruising altitude, the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit with a blade in an attempt to hijack and crash the Boeing 737 MAX. As the struggle unfolded, the aircraft pitched into a sudden, steep dive. Despite sustaining stab wounds, Machchhar fought back, fought for control of the aircraft, and managed to open the cockpit door to alert the cabin crew and call for help.

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Flight attendants and passengers rushed to assist in subduing the attacker, while off-duty flight crew traveling as passengers helped stabilize the aircraft and perform an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar’s resolve to fight off his attacker and unlock the controls saved the lives of all 174 passengers and crew on board.

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Following emergency medical treatment and surgery in Saudi Arabia, Captain Machchhar was airlifted to the UAE. Officials and hospital representatives reported that he is in stable condition, conscious, and recovering well. World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have publicly commended his bravery, presence of mind, and unwavering determination to protect the lives entrusted to him.

Gulf News