Israeli Dentist Recounts Aiding Injured Pilot After Flydubai Hijacking Attempt

An Israeli dentist, Shota Musaev, played a crucial role in subduing a co-pilot suspected of attempting to crash a Flydubai flight and subsequently saved the life of the severely injured pilot. In an interview with Ynet on Wednesday, September 30, Musaev described how he rushed to assist after hearing screams, only beginning medical treatment after the assailant was restrained. "I was going to fight a terrorist, not provide medical aid," Musaev stated, explaining his initial impulse.

According to Musaev, another passenger named Yaniv was the first to respond. Musaev then noticed the unfolding situation and ran forward. The co-pilot, from Oman, resisted fiercely during his apprehension, requiring passengers to bind his hands and feet and further secure him until he calmed down.

The captain was found on the floor with significant bleeding from head and arm wounds. He remained conscious and communicated with passengers, identifying himself as 39 years old with two children. Musaev reported that the attacker inflicted wounds and hurled insults at the pilot. "I was the only doctor on the plane. I managed to stop the bleeding," Musaev recalled. The captain's condition remained relatively stable until nearing landing, when it slightly worsened. Saudi medics provided further treatment upon arrival.

Musaev described a terrifying moment when the plane rapidly lost altitude for about thirty seconds, leading passengers to believe they would die. "We started shouting: bring the pilots. When one of them entered the cockpit and took control, we understood we were saved," he recounted.

Another passenger involved in subduing the attacker, Tzvi Mans, previously reported that the co-pilot aimed the plane towards the ground, causing the aircraft to lurch and passengers to be thrown about. Mans also noted the significant physical strength of the assailant, who appeared to be under the influence of adrenaline. After the co-pilot was restrained, a doctor and nurse on board stabilized the captain, who had sustained multiple injuries.