‘Couldn’t let all of them die’: Pilot attacked mid-air speaks for first time, tell me about this news today

Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 (traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv), spoke publicly about surviving a violent cockpit attack by his co-pilot mid-air.

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During a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Captain Machchhar recounted the life-threatening incident:

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• The Attack: While cruising, the co-pilot attacked and stabbed Machchhar inside the cockpit, causing severe head and hand injuries and knocking him to the floor. Transponder squawk codes for emergency (7700) and unlawful interference/hijacking (7500) were triggered as the Boeing 737 entered a rapid plunge of thousands of feet.

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• The Turning Point: Despite being wounded and pinned down, Machchhar explained that his 17 years in aviation let him sense the steep descent. Knowing the aircraft was plunging, he summoned his remaining energy to reach and unlatch the reinforced cockpit door.

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• Passenger Intervention: Opening the door allowed passengers, off-duty pilots, and crew to rush in, restrain the attacker, level the aircraft, and complete an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, saving 174 passengers and crew.

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• His Words: Machchhar stated: “I was doing this for my life, but at the same time, I knew that I couldn’t let everybody else die”. He credited the collective bravery of those who intervened, as well as chanting prayers to stay conscious.

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The captain is currently recovering under medical care, while authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE conduct formal investigations into the attacker’s motives.

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