1 hr ago
Modi Praises Smit Machchhar After Flydubai Cockpit Attack
A pilot named Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
His co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit.
Even though he was badly hurt, Smit opened the cockpit door.
Passengers, crew members and other pilots then entered and stopped the attacker.
The plane quickly lost altitude but landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Smit said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa because it gave him courage and helped him stay focused.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked him and called him a hero.
Smit is now receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi, while authorities investigate why the attack happened.
Captain Smit Machchhar told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting to control the aircraft after being stabbed by his co-pilot.
Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door despite serious injuries, allowing crew members, passengers and off-duty pilots to overpower the attacker.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely after a rapid descent.
The pilot was initially treated in Tabuk and later transferred to Abu Dhabi, where officials said he was recovering and able to speak with visitors.
Modi called Machchhar a hero whose courage helped save hundreds of lives, while authorities continue investigating the co-pilot's motive and the circumstances of the attack.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the unnamed co-pilot, and the passengers and crew of Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
- What
- A co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and tried to take control of the aircraft; Machchhar opened the cockpit door, enabling others to restrain the attacker.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Machchhar is receiving further treatment in Abu Dhabi.
- When
- The flight incident occurred on a Wednesday, reported as September 30; Modi spoke with Machchhar on the following Friday, reported as October 2.
- Why
- The co-pilot's motive remains under investigation, including whether the incident involved prior planning or a terrorist purpose.
Heroism and Collective Rescue
Investigation and Uncertainty
Who prevented a catastrophe?
Heroism and Collective Rescue
Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited Machchhar's courage, composure and actions with helping avert a catastrophic attack and save hundreds of lives.
Investigation and Uncertainty
Machchhar said passengers and crew played an equal role, because they entered the cockpit and helped overpower the co-pilot after he opened the door.
What caused the attack?
Heroism and Collective Rescue
Reports described the co-pilot's actions as an alleged attempt to take control of the aircraft or crash it.
Investigation and Uncertainty
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere had not established the motive and were investigating possible planning or terrorist involvement.
Extent of the aircraft's descent
Heroism and Collective Rescue
One report said the plane descended more than 17,000 feet from about 34,000 feet.
Investigation and Uncertainty
Another report described a descent of nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, reflecting differing accounts of the flight data.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737, described in one report as a Boeing 737 Max
- Emergency landing
- Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- People aboard
- One report said 174 passengers, including 27 children; other reports said more than 170 people
- Pilot's response
- Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door despite serious injuries, allowing others to intervene
- Medical treatment
- Initially in Tabuk and later in Abu Dhabi
Quotes
Captain Smit Machchaar
Pilot of the flydubai flight involved in the cockpit stabbing incident
“I was lying on the floor injured, but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside. Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life, but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die.”
easterneye.biz
“I have been flying planes for 17 years and serving as a captain for the last 11. I can sense exactly what is happening with the aircraft even with my eyes closed. When I was down, I could feel that the aircraft was plummeting.”
NDTV
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Prime Minister of India
“You sustained such a severe injury and were fighting for life and death. Yet, even then, you did not care for your life, you cared for the lives of all the passengers.”
NDTV
“And like Israeli PM (Benjamin Netanyahu) today said that this Indian thwarted 9/11 (like attack). For every Indian, Smit's bravery fills our heart with pride,”
livemint.com
Sources
‘I was reciting Hanuman Chalisa’: ‘Hero’ pilot Captain Smit Machchaar narrates flydubai stabbing incident to PM Modi
PM Modi speaks to Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, applauds his courage after brutal cockpit attack | Watch video
PM Modi Speaks To Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar, Who Shares What Gave Him Courage During Attack
Indian pilot tells PM Modi he opened flydubai cockpit door during attack
'I Was Injured But Couldn't Let Passengers Die': Captain Smit Machchhar To PM Modi
Indian pilot attacked on flydubai flight tells Modi: ‘I was not going to let others die’
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