Captain Smit Machhar Details Flydubai Cockpit Attack To PM Benjamin Netanyahu

In a significant and emotional interaction, Captain Smit Machhar, the Indian pilot who survived a harrowing attack inside the cockpit of a Flydubai aircraft, shared the chilling details of the incident with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During a video call, Captain Machhar recounted the terrifying moments that unfolded on September 30 during Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The conversation provided a first-hand account of the bravery displayed by the captain under extreme duress, as he fought to save the lives of the 174 passengers on board.

The Video Call with Prime Minister Netanyahu

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to Captain Smit Machhar, who is currently undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. During the call, Netanyahu expressed his deep concern for the captain's health and lauded his extraordinary courage. The Prime Minister hailed Machhar as a hero whose quick thinking and resilience prevented a major aviation disaster. In a gesture of high honor, Netanyahu extended an invitation to Captain Smit Machhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light the ceremonial torch during Israel's Independence Day celebrations, recognizing the bond of bravery and the shared values between the two nations.

The Pretext of Prayer and the Sudden Assault

Recalling the events of that fateful day, Captain Smit Machhar explained that the flight had started as a routine operation. Everything seemed normal until the co-pilot stood up to perform his prayers. Captain Machhar noted that this was a common occurrence and didn't raise any immediate suspicion, while however, barely four to five minutes later, the situation turned violent. While the captain was focused on navigating the aircraft, he was suddenly struck with immense force on the back of his head. The blow was so severe that Machhar initially thought something had gone wrong with the aircraft itself. It was only after a second strike that he realized he was being targeted by his own co-pilot from behind.

A Life and Death Struggle at 34,000 Feet

The attacker was identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen. Al-Hammami used an emergency crash axe, which is standard equipment kept in the cockpit for emergencies, to inflict deep and serious injuries on Captain Machhar. As the captain lay bleeding on the floor, he realized the aircraft was losing altitude rapidly. The plane, which was cruising at 34,000 feet, plummeted more than 17,000 feet in a matter of moments. Despite the excruciating pain and the darkness clouding his vision, Captain Machhar knew he had to act. He attempted to use the emergency code to open the cockpit door, but the Omani pilot actively blocked his efforts, determined to keep the door sealed and the aircraft in a state of peril.

The Final Act of Bravery

With his strength fading, Captain Machhar made one last desperate attempt to save the flight. Using his remaining consciousness and sheer willpower, he managed to reach the door knob and exert enough force to unlock the cockpit, while as the door swung open, the chaos outside became audible, with passengers and crew members waiting in fear. The opening of the door allowed the passengers to intervene and successfully subdue the attacker. Following the struggle, two reserve pilots who were on board took control of the aircraft and safely diverted it to the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Hamam al-Hammami was immediately taken into custody by Saudi authorities upon landing. It was later revealed that al-Hammami had a history of radical ideology, which had previously led Omani authorities to ban him from flying, raising questions about how he was permitted to operate the Flydubai flight.