Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Indian Flydubai Pilot Helped Stop Alleged Mid-Air Crash Attempt
A flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a frightening cockpit fight reportedly happened.
Reports say an Omani co-pilot attacked and stabbed the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar.
The co-pilot was also accused of trying to take control of the plane and crash it.
Machchhar, passengers, and two off-duty pilots worked together to stop the danger.
The plane then made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Everyone on board was reported safe.
Machchhar was taken to a hospital after landing, but his condition was not immediately known.
Reports also said the plane’s tail was damaged.
A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv reportedly faced a cockpit emergency on Wednesday.
The Pilot-in-Command was identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, who previously flew for SpiceJet for 11 years.
Reports allege that an Omani co-pilot stabbed Machchhar and attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
Machchhar, passengers, and two off-duty pilots reportedly helped contain the co-pilot.
The plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; passengers were safe, while Machchhar was taken to hospital and the tail was reportedly damaged.
- Who
- flydubai Pilot-in-Command Smit Machchhar, an Omani co-pilot, passengers, and two off-duty pilots.
- What
- A reported cockpit stabbing, attempted takeover, and alleged effort to crash a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight.
- When
- Wednesday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, which landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Reports allege that the co-pilot tried to seize control of the aircraft and crash it; no motive was provided.
- Airline
- flydubai
- Flight route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Pilot
- Smit Machchhar, identified as an Indian national and Indian-origin pilot
- Previous employer
- SpiceJet, where Machchhar reportedly worked for 11 years
- Alleged attacker
- An Omani co-pilot, according to the reports
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Outcome
- Passengers were reported safe; Machchhar was hospitalized and the aircraft tail was reportedly damaged
