Flydubai Attack: Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Fought Through Skull Fracture To Stop Plane From Being Taken Over
Flydubai cockpit attack: Fresh details have emerged about the dramatic events inside the cockpit of flydubai Flight FZ1073, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his Omani co-pilot during the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
Machchhar, 38, suffered a fractured skull and serious injuries to his hand after the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly struck him from behind with a crash axe.
Despite severe pain, blood loss and impaired vision, the Indian captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the co-pilot. The aircraft was eventually stabilised and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Captain Machchhar Suffered Serious Head Injury
According to reports, Machchhar sustained what doctors described as a depressed skull fracture, in which a broken portion of the skull is pushed inward. He underwent emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia, including surgery to repair the damaged skull, before being transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.
Doctors are continuing to monitor his recovery, including the effects of the head injury on his vision and neurological condition. Reports said Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi, although his injuries could require a prolonged recovery period.
The Indian mission in Abu Dhabi has remained in contact with the medical team treating him.
Captain Opened Cockpit Door Despite Injuries
The attack left Machchhar severely impaired. According to accounts of the incident, he initially managed to unlock the cockpit door but was unable to see clearly. The co-pilot subsequently shut it again.
Machchhar then made another attempt to open the door despite his injuries. His second attempt succeeded, enabling passengers and other crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower al-Hammami.
The cockpit door cannot ordinarily be opened from outside, making the captain’s ability to unlock it from inside a crucial moment in the incident.
Plane Plunged Thousands Of Feet During Chaos
The confrontation caused the aircraft to enter a steep descent as the situation inside the cockpit unfolded.
The flight, carrying more than 170 people according to reports, lost thousands of feet in a matter of minutes before control of the aircraft was stabilised. Two off-duty pilots who were travelling on the flight also played a role in helping bring the aircraft under control.
The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, bringing the immediate crisis to an end.
Investigators Probe Co-Pilot’s Motive
Investigators are examining whether al-Hammami deliberately intended to take control of the aircraft and crash it in Israel.
Reports have cited investigators and officials as saying that the incident may have been a planned attack, with an alleged intention to target a high-value location in or around Tel Aviv. The circumstances surrounding his alleged plan and motivation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
The co-pilot, an Omani national, has been taken into custody while authorities investigate his background, actions and possible motive.
Smit Machchhar Recovering In Abu Dhabi
Machchhar was treated in Saudi Arabia after he landed in a state of emergency, and then moved to Abu Dhabi for specialised treatment.
His actions during the cockpit attack have drawn widespread praise, with Indian and Israeli leaders among those recognising his role in helping prevent a potentially catastrophic outcome.
Despite suffering a serious skull injury, Machchhar managed to take the critical step of opening the cockpit door, giving passengers and crew the opportunity to intervene and helping bring the aircraft to safety.