Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Suffered Skull Fracture, Had Emergency Surgery In Saudi Arabia
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped prevent a possible disaster on a flydubai flight, suffered a serious skull fracture during the cockpit attack. He underwent emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia before doctors flew him to the UAE for further care.
The 38-year-old pilot was attacked by his Omani co-pilot inside the cockpit. The flight was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew members when the attack took place.
Despite his injuries and heavy blood loss, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the co-pilot.
Smit Machchhar Underwent Emergency Surgery
Sources told NDTV that Machchhar suffered a depressed skull fracture during the attack. In this injury, part of the broken skull moves inward towards the brain.
Doctors in Saudi Arabia treated the pilot after the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk. They also reconstructed the damaged part of his skull before he was moved to the UAE.
Machchhar suffered other injuries as well. These included wounds to his limbs, chest and upper abdomen.
His condition has since improved. Sources said he is responding well to treatment.
Pilot Shifted To Abu Dhabi
Machchhar was airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi last week for further medical care. Doctors admitted him to a military hospital in the UAE.
A team of specialist doctors is closely monitoring his condition. Authorities have also allowed his family to meet him at the hospital.
His family is receiving regular updates about his health as he continues his recovery.
What Happened On Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the attack took place. The aircraft suddenly plunged nearly 18,000 feet during the flight.
The crew first sent an emergency signal to air traffic control. The aircraft then switched to squawk code 7500, which signals a hijacking or unlawful interference.
Inside the cockpit, the co-pilot attacked Machchhar before apparently trying to take control of the aircraft. The captain was seriously injured but still managed to unlock the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew members rushed inside and overpowered the attacker. A second pair of pilots on board then helped bring the aircraft under control.
The flight later made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar Told PM Modi How He Fought Back
Machchhar later spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a video call from the hospital.
During the conversation, he described how he was lying injured on the cockpit floor when he realised the aircraft was in serious danger.
He told PM Modi that he made one final effort to open the cockpit door. His action allowed others to enter and help control the situation.
“I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die,” Machchhar told the Prime Minister.
What We Know About The Cockpit Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamad Al-Hammami, attacked Machchhar before apparently trying to crash the plane.
The UAE has launched an investigation into the incident. Investigators are looking into the co-pilot’s actions, his background and the motive behind the attack.
The co-pilot had attacked Machchhar with the aircraft’s crash axe, according to the UAE authorities.
Pilot Continues To Recover
Machchhar is now recovering in Abu Dhabi after receiving emergency treatment in Saudi Arabia.
His latest health update indicates that he is responding well to treatment. His family remains in contact with doctors and authorities.
The pilot’s actions during the attack helped passengers and crew members reach the cockpit. They then overpowered the attacker and helped bring the flight to a safe landing
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