Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of a Flydubai passenger plane, has described how he fought to survive a co-pilot’s attack while trying to prevent the aircraft from crashing. Despite being injured and lying on the cockpit floor, Machchhar said he remained determined to protect everyone aboard the flight.
Speaking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the captain recalled realising that the aircraft was losing altitude while he was still under attack. He said he knew he had to make another effort to regain control of the situation, despite his injuries.
“I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside,” he said.
Machchhar explained that other people also helped bring the situation under control. He said his concern extended beyond his own survival to the safety of the passengers and crew.
“Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die,” he added.
Smit Machchhar Describes Flydubai Cockpit Attack
The incident happened aboard a Flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Around two and a half hours into the journey, the plane plunged more than 17,000ft (5,200m), raising the risk to everyone on board.
Passengers and crew eventually overpowered the attacker and regained control of the situation, allowing the aircraft to land safely. The plane was diverted to Tabuk, a city in north-western Saudi Arabia.
The circumstances surrounding the co-pilot’s attack were not detailed in the account provided. However, Machchhar’s description highlights the pressure he faced while attempting to regain access to the cockpit and prevent further danger.
Following the incident, the captain was taken to hospital before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi. He was reported to be in a stable condition as he continued his recovery.
Machchhar said he had accumulated 17 years of flying experience, which helped him understand the aircraft’s behaviour during the emergency.
“I can tell what is happening to the plane even with my eyes closed,” he said, describing his familiarity with flying.
Narendra Modi Praises Captain’s Courage
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for his response during the emergency, saying the captain’s actions had helped save lives.
Modi told him that “his courage, patience and quick decision-making saved the lives of so many people” and said the whole country was proud of him.
The captain’s actions also received recognition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who hailed him as a “true hero”.
The Indian embassy in the United Arab Emirates provided an update on Machchhar’s condition on Thursday. It said he was “in good health and recovering well”.
India’s ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, also met the captain and expressed pride in his conduct during the incident.
Mittal said he was “proud of Capt Smit for his bravery” and “very reassured” after meeting him.
The statements from Indian and Israeli leaders highlighted the international attention surrounding the emergency and the captain’s efforts to protect those on board.
Flydubai Captain Remains Confident About Recovery
Despite the injuries he sustained, Machchhar said he was approaching his recovery with a positive outlook. He explained that he did not want to view his injuries as an obstacle that would make the healing process more difficult.
“I am not looking at this wound like a wound because that would make my recovery even more difficult,” he said.
Instead, the captain described his recovery as a gradual process that would require time and patience. He expressed confidence that he would eventually regain his health and fitness.
“I am looking at it as a journey which is slowly going on and will take time but I am confident that the recovery will be there and I will become fit and healthy again.”
Machchhar’s account provides a personal perspective on the emergency, from the moment he realised the aircraft was descending to his determination to make another effort despite being injured.
With the aircraft ultimately landing safely in Saudi Arabia, the captain’s recovery remains a central development following the incident. His remarks also underline the difficult circumstances faced by the flight crew and passengers during the attack.