AI Image
Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar: I couldn’t let everybody else die
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar heroically fought off a violent attack by his copilot during a suspected mid-air hijacking attempt on flight FZ 1073, preventing a potential catastrophe.
- Despite being severely wounded and suffering massive blood loss, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush in and restrain the attacker.
- Machchhar recounted the ordeal in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his determination to save all lives onboard despite his critical condition.
- The pilot is currently recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital after emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia, with officials including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising his bravery.
- Machchhar, who initially did not dream of becoming a pilot, expressed newfound pride following the incident and received personal commendation from Modi during their emotional conversation.
