Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, saved all 174 people on board flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel, after a violent incident in the cockpit. The co-pilot suddenly attacked the chief pilot with a knife in mid-air. Despite being seriously injured, Captain Machchhar showed presence of mind and courage. His roots lie in Gujarat.
A matter of pride for Gujarat and Savarkundla
According to sources, Captain Machchhar is originally from Wadhwan in Surendranagar. His family has lived in Mumbai for years. His in-laws live in Savarkundla in Amreli district.
Hiren Jogi, Captain Machchhar’s brother-in-law, said the whole family was shocked when they heard about the incident. He added that the family and local residents are proud of the courage and decisiveness the pilot showed in such a critical situation.
What happened in the cockpit
The flight took off on 30 September with 174 people on board. During the flight, a dispute suddenly broke out between Captain Machchhar and his co-pilot over some matter. Reports said the co-pilot, in a fit of rage, attacked Captain Machchhar with a knife. Even after being badly wounded and bleeding heavily, the captain did not let go of the aircraft’s controls.
As the plane suddenly began to descend rapidly and noises were heard from the cockpit, crew members and some passengers rushed towards it. Showing great mental strength, the injured captain opened the cockpit door from inside. This allowed people to enter and overpower the attacking co-pilot.
Emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
After the co-pilot was subdued, two other pilots travelling on the aircraft, on duty or off duty, took over the controls. They made a safe emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers and crew members are safe.
Captain in hospital, condition stable
Captain Machchhar, who was injured in the attack, has been admitted to a hospital in Tabuk. The Indian Embassy said his condition is stable. It added that the embassy is in constant touch with Saudi authorities and the pilot’s family. His courage and decisiveness are now being praised internationally as well.
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