Indian Pilot Recalls Life-or-Death Struggle During FlyDubai Cockpit Attack
An Indian airline captain hailed as a hero has shared his account of fighting for his survival after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him in the cockpit, triggering a sharp and steep descent on a FlyDubai flight. Capt Smit Machchhar stated that he was determined not to let other people die during the harrowing incident.
Passenger Almog Italie, travelling with his family on the final leg of their trip home after a vacation in Japan, recounted experiencing the moment the aircraft plunged. According to Italie, FlyDubai flight FZ1073 dropped 30,000 feet in under 30 seconds, leading passengers to prepare themselves for the worst.
In the aftermath of the event, Capt Machchhar spoke about the minutes following the stabbing when the aircraft began its rapid descent and he fought for his life to thwart what appeared to be an attempt to crash the plane. Following the ordeal, Capt Machchhar spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.