Flydubai pilot stabbed by co-pilot, fights back and opens cockpit for crew to land
Captain Smit Machchhar was apparently stabbed. A co-pilot tried to crash the Boeing 737 MAX 8.
A flydubai co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar during the flight on Wednesday. The co-pilot apparently tried to crash the plane, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The plane reportedly entered a tailspin. Machchhar fought back despite serious injuries to his head and hands.
He managed to open the cockpit door. A passenger and crew member then entered and restrained the co-pilot.
Two off-duty flydubai pilots on board helped land the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. There were 174 people aboard.
Machchhar was taken to hospital in stable condition. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a hero for his courage.
Why it mattersA cabin crew member and passengers prevented a potential aviation disaster by responding right away to a cockpit emergency.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the incident raises questions about cockpit security protocols that may affect international aviation safety standards.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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