Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Pilot Fought Off Axe Attack, Saving Flydubai Passengers
Smit Machchhar was flying a passenger plane when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him with an axe.
The plane began to fall, and Machchhar was hurt.
He fought back and opened the cockpit door.
Passengers then helped control the co-pilot.
Off-duty pilots helped land the plane safely.
Everyone on board was saved, according to the article.
Machchhar’s family said his actions were brave and almost miraculous.
He told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the struggle.
Modi praised him for protecting the passengers even while badly injured.
Smit Machchhar was attacked with an axe by his co-pilot inside the cockpit during a Flydubai flight.
The articles say the co-pilot was allegedly attempting to crash the plane before Machchhar fought him off.
Passengers overpowered the co-pilot, while off-duty pilots helped land the aircraft.
Machchhar’s father-in-law called the rescue a miracle and said a crash could have wrongly damaged the reputation of Indian pilots.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, patience and presence of mind during a Friday conversation.
- Who
- Pilot Smit Machchhar, his co-pilot, passengers, off-duty pilots and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- Machchhar fought off an alleged axe attack by his co-pilot during a flight, helping prevent a crash and save the passengers.
- When
- The attack occurred during the flight; Narendra Modi spoke with Machchhar on Friday.
- Where
- Inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight; the article does not specify the flight route or landing location.
- Why
- The co-pilot was allegedly attempting to crash the plane, according to the article.
Family and Government Praise
Alleged Threat and Safety Incident
Meaning of the incident
Family and Government Praise
Machchhar’s father-in-law said preventing a crash protected the reputation of Indian pilots and described the rescue as a miracle.
Alleged Threat and Safety Incident
The article reports that the co-pilot allegedly tried to crash the plane, creating a serious in-flight safety emergency.
Role of the crew and passengers
Family and Government Praise
Machchhar, passengers and off-duty pilots are credited with working together to save everyone on board.
Alleged Threat and Safety Incident
The attack and the plane’s descent exposed passengers and crew to a potentially catastrophic threat.
- Pilot
- Smit Machchhar
- Attack
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar with an axe inside the cockpit.
- Passenger response
- A group of passengers overpowered the co-pilot after Machchhar opened the cockpit door.
- Landing
- Off-duty pilots helped land the plane.
- Outcome
- The article says all passengers were saved.
- Government response
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, patience and presence of mind.
- Pilot’s account
- Machchhar said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the fight.