Pilot describes cockpit attack during call with PM Modi
Mahi Shrivastava, Bhopal: Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot injured during the Flydubai cockpit incident, has spoken publicly about the moment he realised that the aircraft was descending and passengers were in danger.
Speaking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call on Friday from an Abu Dhabi hospital, Machchhar said he was injured and lying on the cockpit floor when he understood that he had to act. “I couldn’t let everybody else die,” he said while describing his decision to fight back and seek help.
Machchhar was the captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. According to Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry, an altercation took place inside the cockpit, and the co-pilot assaulted the captain. The aircraft later diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely.
Prayer and presence of mind
Machchhar told Modi that he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the crisis. He said the prayer helped him remain calm while dealing with severe injuries and the rapidly developing emergency.
The pilot also explained that he tried to open the cockpit door so that others could enter and assist. Reports said passengers and crew members then helped restrain the co-pilot, while other qualified pilots onboard assisted with the aircraft’s operation.
Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, presence of mind and composure, and wished him a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister also spoke about Machchhar’s family and said he had separately spoken with his wife and parents.indianexpress+1
Recovery and investigation
Machchhar was first treated in Saudi Arabia before being moved to Abu Dhabi. He appeared on the call from a hospital bed with medical support and is reported to be stable.
Authorities continue investigating the cockpit incident, including the co-pilot’s motive and the exact sequence of events. While some reports describe the episode as an attempted crash, official findings are still pending.