The pilot of a Flydubai flight has described how he was attacked by his co-pilot and managed to open the cockpit door to let others in, potentially saving the lives of over 170 passengers.
What happened
Capt Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of Flydubai's flight FZ1073, was attacked by his co-pilot, an Omani national, two and a half hours into the journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane plunged over 17,000ft after the attack, prompting an emergency signal to be sent to air traffic controllers. The co-pilot allegedly tried to crash the plane, but was overpowered by fellow passengers, including two reserve pilots who were on board. The reserve pilots then safely landed the plane at Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia.
Capt Machchhar, who has been hailed as a hero, was taken to hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition. He spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video call, describing how he managed to open the cockpit door despite being injured and attacked. Machchhar said he was determined not to let others die and that others who came into the cockpit also played a role in controlling the situation.
The incident is being investigated by the United Arab Emirates, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting that the attacker had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination. The attacker was reportedly suicidal, calling out to the aircrew to kill him after being subdued.
