Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Foils Dubai-Israel Flight Crash, Saves 174 Lives
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar reportedly saved 174 lives after being attacked in the cockpit and taking control of a Dubai-Israel flight.
By Sakshi
New Delhi, August 1: An Indian pilot was rescued by passengers and crew after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him and attempted to crash an Israel-bound FlyDubai flight, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, operating as FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was about two hours into its journey when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the Indian captain in the cockpit.
The aircraft subsequently plunged nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds, according to flight-tracking data, before regaining altitude, according to a report by Newsweek. It transmitted the international emergency code 7700 and later 7500, which indicates unlawful interference.
The captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter and overpower the attacker. A reserve crew then took control of the aircraft and safely landed it at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk.
Israeli officials said the captain suffered stab wounds and was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The flight was carrying 174 people, most of them Israeli nationals.
The incident initially raised fears of a hijacking after the aircraft transmitted the 7500 signal, prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets. Israeli officials later said it appeared to have been an alleged attempt by the co-pilot to crash the aircraft rather than a hijacking.
FlyDubai confirmed that an incident had occurred on board and said all passengers and crew were safe. The suspected attacker was detained after theaircraft landed, while an investigation into the incident and its motive is underway.
It added that the airline has suspended all Israel services while investigators work to determine what happened.
"This man is a hero. Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of flydubai Flight 1073, fought back after being stabbed in the cockpit. Despite being severely injured, he managed to unlock the cockpit door - allowing Israeli passengers and the Emirati crew to intervene and save all the passengers. Together, their extraordinary courage saved 174 lives. Indian. Israeli. Emirati. Different nationalities. One extraordinary act of courage. We wish Captain Machchhar a full and speedy recovery," it added.
Machchhar is being applauded across the world for his efforts to rescue 174 passengers on board and foil a massive crash.
Israel Foreign Minister shared a post, appreciating Smit for his courageous move.
