I wasn't going to let others die, says Indian pilot who opened cockpit door during attack
The captain said he opened the cockpit door after a stabbing to let passengers restrain the co-pilot and keep the plane from crashing.
- Captain Smit Machchhar revealed in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he unlocked the cockpit door from the floor while under attack, stating, "I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die."
- The Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight plunged over 17,000 feet after Machchhar was assaulted by his co-pilot two hours into the journey from Dubai, forcing an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Passengers and off-duty crew members entered the flight deck after Machchhar unlocked the door during his final effort, successfully overpowering the assailant and regaining control of the aircraft.
- Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s bravery and quick decision-making under fire for preventing a major disaster and saving everyone on board.
- Following the safe emergency landing in northwestern Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was transported to a hospital in Tabuk to receive medical treatment for injuries sustained during the struggle.
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330 Articles
‘I could not let all those people die’: Flydubai pilot recounts cockpit attack
DUBAI, Oct 3 — An Indian pilot attacked by his co-pilot aboard a flight from the UAE to Israel said yesterday that he “could not let all those people die”, in his first...
‘I can't let anyone die’, flydubai pilot tells India PM Modi
The Indian pilot stabbed by his co-pilot on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv replayed the dramatic attack and his desperate effort to open the cockpit door to seek help, in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Hero FlyDubai pilot says he was 'fighting for my life' as plane plunged after copilot attack
FlyDubai pilot Capt. Smit Machchhar says he was fighting for his life when he opened the cockpit door after being stabbed by his copilot during a mid-flight attack.
For the first time, the wounded pilot has surrendered to the near disaster on the Flydubai flight.
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