International
INJURED FLYDUBAI PILOT RECOUNTS STRUGGLE TO SAVE PASSENGERS DURING COCKPIT ATTACK
Captain Smit Machchhar has spoken publicly for the first time about the moments he was attacked by his co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight, describing ...
By Wavers Multimedia
Machchhar, who is recovering at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, recounted the incident during a televised video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
PILOT RECALLS MOMENT PLANE BEGAN DESCENDING
Machchhar said he had sustained multiple wounds and had fallen to the cockpit floor during the attack.
Despite his injuries, he realised the aircraft was descending sharply and that he needed to get back up.
He eventually managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and help restrain the attacker while the aircraft was still descending.
FLIGHT MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING IN SAUDI ARABIA
The Boeing 737 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred.
The flight, carrying 182 people, was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. Flydubai said the aircraft was secured and landed safely after the incident.
The attacker, identified as an Omani national, was arrested in Saudi Arabia. The motive for the attack had not been established.
MACHCHHAR SAYS EXPERIENCE HELPED HIM REACT
The captain said his 17 years of flying experience enabled him to recognise that the aircraft was in a steep descent even after he had been knocked down.
He said he had served as a captain for 11 years and could sense what was happening with the aircraft even when he could not see the instruments.
Machchhar also said he recited the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu devotional prayer, during the ordeal and credited it with giving him courage.
PASSENGERS HELP RESTRAIN ATTACKER
After Machchhar opened the cockpit door, passengers were able to enter and assist in restraining the attacker.
Other crew members and pilots then helped stabilise the aircraft before it was diverted to Saudi Arabia for the emergency landing.
The incident is being investigated, including questions surrounding the circumstances and possible motive behind the attack.
Machchhar remains in hospital in Abu Dhabi as he continues his recovery.