2 hrs ago
Five Unusual Cockpit Incidents Raise Aviation Safety Concerns
Several unusual problems have happened inside airplane cockpits.
In the most serious case, a Flydubai pilot allegedly attacked the co-pilot during a flight.
The plane quickly lost altitude while the pilots struggled.
The injured co-pilot reportedly opened the cockpit door so others could help.
Passengers and crew then restrained the alleged attacker.
Other incidents involved pilots allowing unauthorized visitors into the cockpit.
In another case, two pilots argued and one allegedly slapped the other.
SpiceJet pilots were removed from duty after food and a drink were photographed in the cockpit.
An Air India plane was diverted after its captain could not get back inside the cockpit.
A Flydubai pilot allegedly attacked the co-pilot during a Tel Aviv-bound flight, triggering a rapid descent.
Captain Smit Machchhar reportedly opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker.
Jet Airways pilots faced disciplinary action in 2018 over cockpit access and an alleged onboard assault.
Pilots from Kuwait Airways and SpiceJet were penalized or removed from duty over cockpit conduct.
An Air India flight was diverted in 2013 after its commander became locked out because of a jammed cockpit door.
- Who
- Pilots, co-pilots, passengers and crew members were involved in the incidents; the Flydubai co-pilot was identified as Captain Smit Machchhar.
- What
- The reports describe an alleged cockpit attack and five other incidents involving unauthorized access, pilot misconduct, cockpit distractions or a malfunctioning door.
- Where
- The incidents involved flights connected with Tel Aviv, Mumbai, Goa, London, New York, Delhi, Bengaluru and airspace over Iran and Pakistan.
- When
- The incidents occurred between 2013 and 2023, with the Flydubai incident described as the most recent event in the report.
- Why
- The Flydubai motive remains unclear, while the other incidents were linked to cockpit access, an alleged physical altercation, onboard conduct and a door malfunction.
Key facts
- Flydubai flight
- Flight FZ 1073 was bound for Tel Aviv when the alleged cockpit attack occurred.
- Reported descent
- Flight data reportedly showed the aircraft falling from about 33,000 feet to roughly 17,000-17,400 feet in about two minutes.
- Flydubai co-pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar was identified as the Indian co-pilot who reportedly opened the cockpit door.
- Jet Airways access incident
- In 2018, two pilots were grounded after allowing a female friend into the cockpit of a Goa-Mumbai flight.
- Jet Airways altercation
- In 2018, a male commander allegedly slapped a female co-pilot on a London-Mumbai flight.
- SpiceJet incident
- Two pilots were removed from the roster in 2023 after a beverage cup and gujiya were photographed in the cockpit.
- Air India diversion
- Flight AI 403 was diverted in 2013 after its commander could not re-enter because the cockpit door jammed.
Quotes
Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli prime minister commenting to CNN on Captain Smit Machchhar's actions
“managed to prevent a 9/11 disaster”
livemint.com
Sources
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