Friends of Pilot Stabbed in ‘Terrorist’ Cockpit Attack Reflect on Moment They Learned of the Hijacking Attempt: ‘It Breaks You’

A Flydubai pilot is recovering following a harrowing incident during a flight from Dubai to Israel, where he was allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot. The incident took place on September 30, 2023, as Flight FZ1073 was en route to Tel Aviv with approximately 170 passengers on board.

At around 9 a.m. local time, Flight FZ1073 transmitted a hijacking signal, prompting an urgent response from local authorities. Reports indicate that the situation escalated when one of the pilots attacked his colleague in an attempt to gain control of the aircraft, which subsequently plunged an alarming 17,000 feet.

Despite the chaos, Captain Smit Machchhar demonstrated remarkable composure and dedication to the safety of everyone on board. In a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortly after the incident, he recounted his determination to prevent the aircraft from crashing during the attack. “Even with my eyes closed, I can tell what’s happening in a plane,” Machchhar remarked. “I told myself to give it one last push.”

Machchhar’s courageous actions were instrumental in regaining control of the aircraft, which eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia after diverting from its intended destination. An Israeli official reported that a team of pilots present onboard helped to subdue the assailant, thereby averting what could have been a catastrophic tragedy.

In a heartfelt expression of admiration, Captain Dhaval Patel, who trained alongside Machchhar in New Zealand, spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) about their long friendship of nearly two decades. “When it happens to the person you know, the person you love, it breaks you,” Patel stated upon learning about the attack. He highlighted Machchhar’s dedication to aviation and how he had previously assisted his colleagues with his keen knowledge of the field.

Following the incident, the Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates confirmed that Machchhar is recovering well under excellent medical care. Patel expressed relief at hearing the good news: “It’s pride for our entire clan to see one of our colleagues being respected by our honorary prime minister,” he added.

Another close friend and colleague, Captain Dharav Gosalia, conveyed his instinctive reaction of shock upon learning of the attack. “I had goosebumps,” he said, reflecting on their ongoing communication even after Machchhar’s distressing experience. He described Machchhar as a “very disciplined flyer” with a background as a former member of the Indian Air Force, which he credited for instilling a greater focus and skill set beneficial in operational scenarios.

Gosalia, like others, emphasised the courage displayed by Machchhar during the attack, stating, “Smit has taught us courage. Now we will do the same thing if something like this happens.” This sentiment illustrates the profound impact that Machchhar’s actions have had on his peers.

As the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the attack, the aviation community is rallying around Machchhar, drawing strength from his bravery in the face of danger. His commitment not only to his own survival but also to the safety of his passengers stands as a testament to the resolve and professionalism of airline pilots everywhere.

While the focus remains on the recovery of Machchhar and exploring the motivations behind the co-pilot’s actions, this incident serves to highlight the support network among aviation professionals and the extraordinary lengths to which they will go to ensure the safety of their flights. Machchhar’s experience will likely become a case study in resilience and crisis management within the aviation sector.