Indian captain Smit Machchhar shares his account of the violent attack by a co-pilot aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30th. He describes the series of events, including attempts to get help and regain consciousness.
Recovering at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi, Captain Smit Machchhar has provided a detailed account of the incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30th. In interviews with The National and Sky News Arabia, he described being attacked by his co-pilot during a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight. The assault included repeated blows, attempts by Machchhar to get help, and multiple instances of losing consciousness as he fought to survive. According to Machchhar, just before the attack, a second captain travelling as deadweight crew entered the cockpit, and the two discussed their rosters and schedules. Around this time, the co-pilot requested a toilet break while the conversation continued. A few minutes into the discussion, the co-pilot asked to pray. The other captain stepped out of the cockpit, and the co-pilot began prayers positioned behind Machchhar. Suddenly, Machchhar felt a hard hit at the back of his head, causing him to fall forward almost onto his control column. Believing there was a catastrophic aircraft issue, Machchhar tried to regain control and block further attacks. He quickly unbuckled his seatbelt, turned around, and screamed for help. Machchhar lost consciousness for the first time, but remembers opening the cockpit door, shouting, and hearing engine sounds going down as the plane went into a dive. Throughout this ordeal, Machchhar was in and out of consciousness, with fragmented memories of trying to reach the cockpit door. Eventually, he was pulled out of the cockpit by senior cabin crew. Looking back on the incident, Machchhar admitted there was a moment when he thought he might not survive. He praised his crew for their efficiency and the other captain who took over the aircraft controls in an emergency. Machchhar also thanked the UAE government for the medical care and support he received following the incident. On being asked about his source of courage, he attributed it to survival instincts and mental preparedness. In good health during the interview, Machchhar expressed optimism about returning to work soon.
Source:
Akashvani News
