FlyDubai captain said he had one more fight left in cockpit struggle
Usagevpn.com – The FlyDubai captain said he had one more fight left in him as he battled to reopen the cockpit door during a violent emergency aboard flight FZ1073. Captain Smit Machchhar said the decision allowed passengers to enter, restrain the co-pilot and help stabilise the aircraft.
Machchhar described the incident during an emotional telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. There were 174 passengers and six crew members on board when the confrontation unfolded.
Captain describes attack inside the cockpit
Machchhar said the co-pilot had asked to pray in the cockpit, a request that initially did not concern him. The captain said he looked away out of respect before feeling a powerful blow.
“Out of respect for him, I didn’t look back.”
He said he first thought the impact might have been caused by a problem with the aircraft. After a second blow, however, he realised he was being attacked.
“A few minutes later, I felt a strong impact and thought something had happened to the plane. But then I was hit again and realized it was him.”
The FlyDubai captain said he had one more chance to reach the cockpit door after the first attempt failed. He said the assault affected his vision while the plane entered a steep descent and passengers outside tried to gain access using the door code.
Passengers help regain control of the flight
Machchhar told Netanyahu that the cockpit-side locking system used a twisting handle, while people outside could use a code to request or gain entry. As he heard the aircraft descending and passengers crying, he made another attempt to turn the handle.
“One more fight left in me.”
The FlyDubai captain said he had one more fight left and made a sharp, quick movement to open the door. Passengers then entered the cockpit, subdued the co-pilot and helped bring the situation under control.
The account highlights the importance of cockpit-door procedures in a fast-moving emergency. While flight-deck doors are intended to protect crews and aircraft, the incident showed how quickly a crisis can demand action from everyone on board.
UAE officials describe a terrorist attack
The United Arab Emirates’ prosecutor general said the co-pilot used a crash axe against Machchhar and attempted to carry out a terrorist attack. Dr Anwar Gargash, the UAE president’s diplomatic adviser, also described the incident as a dangerous terrorist act.
Several media organisations identified the co-pilot as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami. Reports said he had studied aviation at Buckinghamshire New University in the United Kingdom and had previously made troubling social-media posts, including comments about women and support for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Support for the injured captain
Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s actions and invited him, together with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light a ceremonial flame at Israel’s next Independence Day celebrations. The invitation was described as an exceptional honour usually associated with Israeli citizens.
“You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you are a hero of the entire world.”
Israeli Ambassador to the UAE Yossi Shelley was at Machchhar’s bedside during the call. Netanyahu and Shelley invited the captain and his family to visit Israel once his condition permits.
Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Minister of Defence Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid also visited Machchhar in hospital, praising his courage, responsibility and concern for human life.
FAQ
What happened on FlyDubai flight FZ1073?
The captain said he was attacked by the co-pilot in the cockpit. He reopened the door during the emergency, allowing passengers to enter and help restrain the co-pilot.
How did the aircraft regain control?
According to Machchhar’s account, passengers entered the cockpit after he opened the door, subdued the co-pilot and helped stabilise the aircraft.
What did UAE authorities say about the incident?
UAE officials said the co-pilot used a crash axe and attempted to carry out a terrorist attack.
