Smit Machchhar Pilot Describes Dramatic Attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight
The injured flydubai captain wept as he described the attack, the sudden drop in the sky, and his last effort to call for help.
Flydubai – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – The Smit Machchhar pilot, who was stabbed in the cockpit of a flydubai plane, has spoken about the attack for the first time. He shared his story with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call on Friday.
Machchhar spoke from a hospital bed in Abu Dhabi. He had a tube in his nose and bandages on his head and hands. Several times during the call, he wiped tears from his eyes.
The video lasted nearly 10 minutes. It was later posted on the prime minister’s social media pages.
The attack happened on Wednesday during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to the allegations, the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar and tried to crash the plane. There were 174 people on board.
The jet dropped almost 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. That is about 4,267 meters, a fall that must have felt endless to everyone inside.
Machchhar told Modi that he knew the aircraft was going down. He said he had fallen to the floor after the attack.
At that moment, he told himself that the cockpit door was right there and that he only had to open it. Somehow, he managed to do it. People rushed in.
He also spoke about his long career. He has been flying for 17 years and has been a captain for the last 11 years. That experience, he said, helped him understand how serious the situation was.
An official from the Israeli prime minister’s office also spoke about the incident. A spokesperson for Benjamin Netanyahu told Reuters on Thursday that Machchhar was covered in blood and lying on the floor when he opened the door.
Once the door opened, passengers and crew quickly overpowered the co-pilot. Two other flydubai pilots were also on board. They stepped in and took control of the jet.
They then landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Modi praised the courage of the Smit Machchhar pilot during the call. He said the captain’s presence of mind saved many lives. He added that it also protected the good name of Indian pilots.
Machchhar comes from Gujarat, which is also Modi’s home state. He seemed deeply moved by the conversation.
“I know God saved me,” he said, with tears in his eyes.
His story is a reminder of how calm thinking and brave action can save lives in a crisis. Even badly hurt, he did not give up. He used his last bit of strength to open one door, and that door changed everything.
The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
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