International
oi-Swastika Sruti
There occurred an incident involving a Flydubai aircraft that was heading towards Tel Aviv from Dubai, where the alleged attack by the co-pilot took place against the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar.
On a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, causing an emergency 14,000-foot descent. Passengers and off-duty pilots helped regain control, leading to a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the suspect was arrested.
The flight had 174 people on board, and the situation worsened when the plane started losing approximately 14,000 feet in a few seconds. It was then when both passengers and other members of the crew got involved to handle the situation, and help from the other two Flydubai pilots who were also onboard assisted in controlling the plane.
The plane finally made an emergency landing at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacked Indian Captain
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar as the aircraft was approaching Israel.
Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity, Netanyahu said the captain may have been stabbed or struck with an axe. The exact weapon used in the confrontation has not been conclusively established.
A pilot familiar with operations in the region told Reuters that pilots can have access to items such as metal knives used for meals, while a crash axe is normally kept inside the cockpit for emergencies.
Passengers who witnessed the aftermath reportedly described seeing a man with a knife while one of the pilots was lying injured and covered in blood.
Flight Suddenly Lost 14,000 Feet
The confrontation inside the cockpit quickly turned into an aviation emergency.
The aircraft transmitted an emergency signal before the 7500 transponder code, which is associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.
According to flight-tracking information cited in reports, the aircraft dropped
approximately 14,000 feet in under half a minute during the incident.
The aircraft was eventually brought under control and diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, allowing everyone on board to reach the ground safely.
Passengers Entered Cockpit To Stop Attacker
It was reported that the passengers became aware that there was some serious problem when they heard something unusual from the cockpit.
The injured captain was said to have opened the cockpit door so that the passengers can get inside and help restraining the suspected assailant.
There were also two other Flydubai pilots who were travelling as passengers in the plane. The pilots helped in taking control of the plane and landed it at Tabuk airport.
The joint effort of the passengers, the crew, and the pilots controlled the situation.
Suspected Attacker Taken Into Custody
The alleged attacker has been identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national.
He was arrested after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia. Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have launched investigations into the incident.
Israeli officials are also examining whether the incident was connected to a wider security threat.
Netanyahu said investigators would look into the attacker’s background and whether anyone else was involved. He also said it was too early to establish whether there was any connection to Iran.
No official motive has been established so far.
Smit Machchhar Taken To Hospital
Captain Smit Machchhar suffered injuries during the confrontation and was taken to hospital after the aircraft landed.
His actions during the emergency were later praised by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump also praised the Indian pilot following the incident.
The episode has brought attention to the actions of the captain, passengers and other crew members who helped prevent the situation from becoming a larger aviation disaster.
Investigation Focuses On Cockpit Security
The incident has also raised questions about security procedures involving pilots operating flights to Israel.
Authorities are examining how the confrontation began, how the alleged attacker gained access to a weapon and what happened inside the cockpit before passengers intervened.
Israeli authorities have indicated that additional checks on pilots could be considered following the incident.
