Hero FlyDubai pilot says he was 'fighting for my life' as plane plunged after copilot attack, tell me about this news today

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot operating FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, recounted his harrowing experience of surviving a violent cockpit stabbing by his copilot while trying to prevent the aircraft from crashing.

AP News

What Happened During the Flight

• The In-Flight Attack: During the flight, which was carrying over 170 passengers and crew, the copilot (identified as an Omani national) reportedly attacked Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit with a blade.

  The Hindu

• Sudden Steep Dive: During the struggle, the Boeing 737 entered an uncontrolled, steep plunge, losing roughly 14,000 to 16,000 feet in just minutes.

• Crucial Intervention: Despite suffering multiple stab wounds and falling to the floor, Captain Machchhar summoned his remaining strength to unlock and open the reinforced cockpit door. This enabled passengers, cabin crew, and off-duty pilots traveling onboard to rush inside, restrain the attacker, and help level out the aircraft.

  WUSA9+ 1

• Emergency Landing: The plane diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where Saudi authorities detained the attacker and transported Captain Machchhar to the hospital for emergency medical care.

  The Guardian

The Captain’s Statements

Speaking from his hospital bed with head bandages and oxygen tubes, Captain Machchhar described the ordeal:

• “Fighting for my life”: He stated that even with his eyes closed while lying wounded on the cockpit floor, his flight instincts told him the plane was plummeting.

  CTV News

• The Final Push: Realizing that everyone onboard would die if he did not intervene, he made a final effort to stand and open the cockpit latch so help could arrive.

  WUSA9

• High-Level Recognition: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Machchhar via video call to commend his courage and presence of mind, noting that he had averted a catastrophic disaster and saved more than 170 lives.

  www.thenationalnews.com