World
Flydubai pilot Machchhar recounts 14,000-foot plunge fight
The Indian Express··2 Oct
Captain Smit Machchhar told Prime Minister Narendra Modi he pushed open the cockpit door after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him on Flydubai FZ1073. The aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, Reuters reported. Passengers and crew restrained the attacker. Reserve pilots landed at Tabuk. Machchhar was later moved to Abu Dhabi for treatment.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Machchhar said he opened the cockpit door so others could enter and help stop the attacker.
- Investigations continue in Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia into motive and cockpit events.
- Families tracking the crew can follow Ministry of External Affairs updates on his Abu Dhabi treatment.
What's Happening
- Flight-tracking data showed a drop toward 16,600 feet, a climb to 21,725 feet, then another descent near 15,000 feet.
- The aircraft sent emergency and hijacking squawk codes before landing at Tabuk.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one pilot stabbed another before an apparent crash attempt.
What The Call Covered
- Machchhar spoke to Modi on Friday while bandaged and using a nasal tube.
- He said he was fighting for his life and would not let others die.
- Two reserve pilots travelling as passengers took control after the attacker was overpowered.
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