Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar has spoken publicly for the first time about the cockpit attack that disrupted Flight FZ1073, saying he continued fighting because he knew the aircraft was in danger and could not allow other people on board to die.
Machchhar, an Indian national, made the comments on Friday, October 2, during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, where he is recovering from injuries sustained during the incident.
The incident happened on September 30 aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. While the aircraft was flying over Saudi Arabia, the co-pilot attacked and seriously injured Machchhar, and the plane subsequently went into a rapid descent of more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Despite being injured and lying on the cockpit floor, Machchhar said he realised the aircraft was going down and that he needed to open the cockpit door. He managed to reach and open the door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and intervene.
Passengers then overpowered and restrained the co-pilot, while two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped take control of the plane. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
The United Arab Emirates Prosecutor General has since described the co-pilot's actions as an attempted terrorist attack, saying he used a crash axe to assault the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft. However, authorities say the investigation into the circumstances, motive and any possible connections remains ongoing.
Machchhar's account has highlighted the role played by both the injured captain and passengers in preventing what could have become a major aviation disaster. The captain remains under medical care, while the investigation involving UAE, Saudi Arabian and Israeli authorities continues.
Khalil Ibrahim Yaro
Experienced journalist, Editor in Chief and media professional with a strong background in field reporting, investigative journalism, Editorial production, interviewing, research, digital media and newsroom coordination.
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