The bravery of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machhar is being hailed worldwide. The lives of 174 passengers aboard Flydubai flight FZ-1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, were put at risk when the aircraft’s Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit with a knife inside the cockpit. Despite sustaining serious injuries, Captain Smit confronted the attacker and managed to open the cockpit door.
Subsequently, with the help of the crew and passengers, the attacker was subdued. Two other pilots traveling on the flight took control of the cockpit and executed an emergency landing. Following the incident, Captain Smit was admitted to a hospital in Saudi Arabia for treatment.
What happened on the flight?
Flight FZ-1073, carrying 174 passengers, initially transmitted the emergency code 7700. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft broadcast code 7500, which is used in situations involving a hijacking or unlawful seizure of the aircraft.
Upon receiving news of the incident, Israeli authorities began preparations to handle the situation. Reports indicate that eight fighter jets were also dispatched from Israel.
Meanwhile, inside the aircraft, the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machhar with a knife. Despite being wounded in the attack, Smit resisted the assailant and attempted to prevent him from damaging the aircraft.
Passengers also stepped in
Passengers became aware of the situation after hearing sounds coming from the cockpit. Some passengers then attempted to open the cockpit door. Coincidentally, other pilots were also traveling on the flight.
As the situation escalated, these pilots took command of the aircraft and contacted a nearby airbase. Subsequently, the aircraft made a safe emergency landing, and the passengers on board were safely evacuated.
Netanyahu Praises Captain Smit
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the bravery of Captain Smit Machhar. He noted that despite being seriously injured, the Indian pilot resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door, and assisted the crew in subduing the assailant.
Netanyahu stated that Captain Smit’s efforts helped save the lives of the 174 people on board the aircraft. He also wished him a speedy and full recovery.
Trump Also Calls Him a ‘Hero’
US President Donald Trump also praised Captain Smit’s bravery. Trump mentioned that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about the incident.
According to Trump, Netanyahu told him that despite his injuries, Captain Smit played a crucial role in opening the cockpit door. Praising the pilot’s courage, Trump hailed him as a ‘hero’.
Captain Smit Machhar is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
