NEW DELHI – An incident of unprecedented bravery unfolded recently when Captain Smit Machchhar of FlyDubai found himself in a life-threatening situation. While navigating a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, he faced an attack from his co-pilot, who wielded a knife against him, igniting a struggle for control of the aircraft.
During a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Captain Machchhar detailed the harrowing experience. He recounted how, despite being seriously injured and with his head bandaged, he felt an overwhelming responsibility to ensure the safety of his passengers. “I was fighting for my life. At one point, I realized that if I didn’t get up … then passengers would lose their lives,” he conveyed, reflecting on his determination amidst chaos.
Machchhar, hailing from Mumbai and currently recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, was able to open the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to intervene and restrain the assailant. This decisive action was crucial as the Boeing 737 had begun a steep descent, a situation that could have led to a catastrophic outcome.
The aircraft, carrying 182 individuals, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. FlyDubai confirmed that the jet was secured by on-duty crew members, highlighting the professionalism and quick thinking of the flight team during an extraordinary crisis.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that the attacker, identified as an Omani national, was apprehended and was being interrogated in Saudi Arabia. The motives behind this alarming attack remain under investigation, raising questions about safety protocols within the aviation industry.
Prime Minister Modi commended Machchhar for his “courage, patience, and presence of mind,” emphasizing the heroism displayed during the incident. The captain’s experience, having flown for 17 years and serving as a captain for 11, provided him with the intuition to recognize the aircraft’s perilous descent even while incapacitated. “I can sense exactly what is happening with the aircraft even with my eyes closed,” he noted, illustrating his deep understanding of aviation dynamics.
Amidst the turmoil, Machchhar drew strength from his cultural roots, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, a revered Hindu hymn that seeks divine strength and courage. “Lord Hanuman gave me courage,” he shared, showcasing the profound connection between spirituality and resilience during crises.
With a professional background that includes nearly four years with FlyDubai and over 11 years at SpiceJet, where he served as a senior commander, Machchhar has accumulated more than 9,750 flying hours. His extensive experience likely played a pivotal role in his ability to manage the emergency effectively.
Philip Kean, CEO of Mainland Air, a flight school where Machchhar trained, remarked on the rarity of such an incident, noting that while pilots are trained to take control if a colleague becomes incapacitated, they are not typically prepared for a violent assault. “I don’t think there’s much in the handbook for being stabbed,” he stated, reflecting the unexpected nature of this attack.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced in aviation, calling for a reassessment of safety measures and crew training to mitigate similar occurrences in the future. Captain Smit Machchhar’s quick thinking and unwavering resolve not only saved lives but underscored the vital importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges.
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Associated Press journalist Charlotte Graham-McLay in Wellington, New Zealand, contributed to this report.
