Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar Recounts Cockpit Attack: “Suddenly There Was a Big Blow”
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has given his most detailed account yet of the attack aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073. He said the co-pilot asked to pray before suddenly striking him from behind. Despite severe injuries and blurred vision, Machchhar reached the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and regain control.
UAE prosecutors have officially described the incident as an attempted “terrorist act.” CBS News reported that Israeli officials currently believe the suspect likely acted alone rather than under the direction of a terrorist organisation or foreign state. The motive and any wider links remain under investigation.
UAE authorities are continuing forensic, digital and security investigations into the suspect’s background and motive. Australian authorities are also examining his reported links to Australia, while investigators are scrutinising how he was able to work as a flydubai pilot despite reports of earlier security concerns. ABC News
30 Sept: FZ1073 departs Dubai for Tel Aviv
Captain attacked inside cockpit
Aircraft plunges about 16,000 feet in roughly 30 seconds
Machchhar opens cockpit door
Passengers overpower co-pilot
Reserve pilots land safely in Saudi Arabia
3 Oct: UAE calls it an attempted terrorist act
4 Oct: Machchhar’s detailed account receives wider international coverage.
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1. CBS Evening NewsView Original
