Indian Pilot Attacked in Cockpit Recalls the Ordeal
Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by an Omani co-pilot on a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, recounted his life-or-death struggle in an interview from the hospital.
Captain Smit Machchhar, who was subjected to a knife attack by an Omani co-pilot on a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv and forced the aircraft into a steep dive, shared the terrifying moments and his heroic struggle at a hospital where he is receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi.
Horrific Moments During the Flight
The Omani co-pilot on duty on the flydubai flight heading towards Tel Aviv launched a knife attack on Captain Smit Machchhar, sending the aircraft into a steep downward dive of 17,000 feet in a short time.
The Struggle to Open the Cockpit Door
Despite being severely injured and on the verge of losing consciousness, the captain managed to open the cockpit door with a final effort, enabling passengers to enter and neutralize the attacker.
Safe Landing in Saudi Arabia
The aircraft, landed safely in the northwestern Saudi city of Tabuk with the help of reserve crew members on board, saw the attacker arrested and interrogated by Saudi authorities.
Praise from Leaders and Investigation
While world leaders declared Machchhar a hero after he video-called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the attacker's potential terrorist connections are being investigated through UAE-Israel cooperation.