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Flydubai captain describes blocking axe blows as co-pilot attacked him
The Guardian • • world
Key Points:
- Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot with a crash axe during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, as the co-pilot attempted to crash the plane into Ben Gurion airport.
- Despite sustaining head and arm injuries, Machchhar fought off the attack, tried to open the cockpit door, and called for help, ultimately losing consciousness during the struggle.
- The incident caused the plane to plunge 16,000 feet in 30 seconds before other pilots on board subdued the attacker and safely landed the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.
- The co-pilot, an Omani national, was inspired by the 9/11 attacks and is now in UAE custody following a criminal investigation launched on October 1.
- Machchhar has been hailed as a hero for his bravery in preventing a disaster, expressing fear during the attack but determination to survive.
