Cockpit Stabbing, a 14,000 Feet Drop, 'Blood Everywhere': How Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Saved 174 Lives on Flydubai Plane
Israeli and U.S. leaders praised Machchhar after he helped passengers and crew overpower the co-pilot, saving 174 people, Netanyahu said.
- On Wednesday, flydubai flight FZ1073 diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after Captain Smit Machchhar was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot mid-flight. Machchhar opened the cockpit door, enabling crew and passengers to overpower the attacker.
- The Boeing 737 descended from about 34,000 feet to around 20,000 feet during the struggle, threatening nearly 180 passengers and crew. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar, stating, "He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals."
- President Donald Trump described Machchhar as a "hero" after receiving a briefing, recounting that an Israeli passenger entered the cockpit and restrained the co-pilot. The passenger reportedly learned basic flying concepts from watching Air Disasters.
- Saudi authorities are questioning the co-pilot regarding the "highly severe security incident," while flydubai cautioned against "premature speculation." The airline suspended flights to and from Israel as Machchhar remains stable following surgery.
- Captain Machchhar brings more than 11 years of professional experience, having previously worked with SpiceJet and Akasa Air. His background includes over 9,750 hours of flying time and training other pilots.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Cockpit stabbing, a 14,000 feet drop, 'blood everywhere': How Indian pilot Smit Machchhar saved 174 lives on flydubai plane
The co-pilot of a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv allegedly stabbed the captain on Wednesday morning, triggering a battle in the cockpit.
The injured Indian pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has been admitted to a hospital in the Saudi city of Tabuk. The plane was diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an incident in the cockpit. The Indian embassy in Riyadh said that the pilot, Smith Machar, is receiving the necessary medical care. The diplomatic mission and consulate of India in Jeddah are monitoring his health. "He has been admitted to a ho…
‘Perhaps a terrorist or a whack-job’: Trump on flydubai attack, hails Indian Capt Smit Machchhar as hero
The US President said it seemed the suspect “was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack-job.” He said he was told by Netanyahu and others about how a plumber on board managed to take level out the plane after it began nosedive.
Indian flydubai pilot stable after Saudi flight incident
Indian flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was in stable condition after being injured during an incident aboard a flight that was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, September 30. In a post on X on Thursday, October 1, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said it and the Consulate in Jeddah had been following Machchhar’s … Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News, Technology, Entertainment, Sports, Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp…
'He is a true hero': Netanyahu, Trump hail Indian pilot for saving flydubai plane from crashing
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump hailed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for saving nearly 180 passengers on a FlyDubai flight after he was stabbed by his colleague in an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft
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