1 hr ago
Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Stable After Cockpit Stabbing
Captain Smit Machchhar was flying a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
His co-pilot reportedly attacked him inside the cockpit with a knife.
The plane began losing altitude very quickly.
Machchhar opened the cockpit door even though he was badly hurt.
Passengers and crew then helped stop the co-pilot.
Other pilots on the plane landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
All passengers later reached Israel safely.
The Indian Embassy said Machchhar was stable and receiving treatment.
Reports differed on whether he remained in Tabuk or was being moved to Dubai.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday.
The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight carried 174 people and reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Machchhar reportedly opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot.
The aircraft landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and passengers later reached Israel safely.
The Indian Embassy said Machchhar was stable in a Tabuk hospital, while another report said he was being airlifted to Dubai for treatment.
- Who
- Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was injured by his co-pilot, identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national; 174 people were aboard the flight.
- What
- Machchhar was stabbed while reportedly stopping an alleged attempt by the co-pilot to crash Flydubai flight FZ1073.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Machchhar was reported to be treated in Tabuk, with another report saying he was being airlifted to Dubai.
- When
- The cockpit incident occurred on Wednesday; the health update was issued on Thursday, with one report describing movement for treatment a day later.
- Why
- Machchhar reportedly opened the cockpit door despite his injuries, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot and helping avert a crash.
Key facts
- Pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Flight
- Flydubai FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- 174
- Reported condition
- Stable, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh
- Treatment location
- A hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; another report said he was being airlifted to Dubai
- Investigation
- Saudi authorities are investigating the incident
Quotes
Indian Embassy in Riyadh
Indian diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia
“We hope that he recovers from his injuries at the earliest. We are in touch with his family and assure them that we will continue to follow up on his health with Saudi authorities and extend all possible assistance for his well-being.”
telegraphindia.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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