New Delhi: An Israeli dentist who was travelling aboard a Flydubai flight has described the severe injuries suffered by Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during an attack on the aircraft, saying the captain’s head and hands were so badly cut that they appeared almost severed.
Dr Shota Musayev was a passenger on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. After hearing screams coming from the cockpit, Musayev said he immediately rushed forward to help. He was reportedly the only doctor on board.
Musayev said he found Machchhar bleeding heavily from multiple wounds, particularly around his head and hands. The dentist began providing emergency medical assistance inside the cockpit as the injured pilot remained conscious.
According to Musayev, the captain had suffered significant blood loss. He treated the wounds and worked to stabilise Machchhar’s condition while the aircraft was diverted for an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The dentist later said Machchhar was able to communicate with him despite his injuries. During the ordeal, the pilot told him that he was 39 years old and had two children. Musayev also recalled that Machchhar was praying as the aircraft approached the emergency landing.
The situation became more serious as the flight continued towards Tabuk. Musayev said he was concerned that the pilot could lose consciousness because of the extent of his injuries and blood loss.
The dentist also became involved in restraining the suspected attacker after passengers reached the cockpit. According to his account, passengers used available cables and restraints to prevent the man from breaking free.
The aircraft eventually landed safely in Tabuk, where Saudi medical teams took over the treatment of the injured pilot. Indian officials subsequently said Machchhar was receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk and was in stable condition.
Musayev later described the incident as an extremely difficult experience. He said his decision to intervene was immediate after he realised the pilot needed medical assistance.
The dentist’s account has provided a detailed picture of the pilot’s condition during the flight and the emergency medical care he received before the aircraft reached the ground.
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