2 hrs ago
Indian Pilot Praised After Alleged Flydubai Crash Attempt Thwarted
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Reports say the copilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar during the flight.
The plane then sent emergency signals and dropped sharply in altitude.
Passengers reportedly helped restrain the copilot.
The aircraft was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar was badly hurt and taken to a hospital.
The Indian Embassy said he was in stable condition, though a full health update was still awaited.
Several Indian leaders praised his bravery and wished him a quick recovery.
Captain Smit Machchhar was praised for helping avert an alleged attempt to crash Flydubai flight FZ1073.
The flight reportedly descended more than 17,000 feet after transmitting emergency signals on Wednesday.
Reports said Machchhar was seriously injured after his copilot allegedly attacked him in the cockpit.
Passengers reportedly restrained the attacker as the Boeing 737 diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy said Machchhar was hospitalized in Tabuk and reported stable, while Indian leaders wished him a full recovery.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, the copilot, passengers and crew, and Indian leaders including Hemant Soren, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, and Arvind Kejriwal.
- What
- An alleged copilot attack and attempted crash of Flydubai flight FZ1073 was reportedly thwarted, after which the aircraft made an emergency diversion.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to Tel Aviv, Israel, before diverting to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; the reports were published on October 1.
- Why
- The reports describe the copilot’s actions as an alleged attempt to crash the aircraft, prompting emergency procedures and diversion.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Descent
- More than 17,000 feet, from 34,000 feet
- Diversion airport
- Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk
- Captain’s condition
- Hospitalized and reported stable; a full update was awaited
- People aboard
- 174, according to one report
Quotes
Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia
Indian diplomatic mission that provided an update on the pilot’s condition.
“I am so, so proud of Captain Smit Machchhar. Even with his own life on the line, he saved countless others, showing the world what true Indian courage looks like. It is only fitting that the global community is applauding him today. I join everyone in praying for the speedy recovery of this true hero from our India.”
theprint.in
“Hats off to Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage in saving the lives of the passengers and crew. Despite being seriously injured, he remained steadfast in his commitment to passenger safety.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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