Dentist Describes Battling Hijacker, Then Treating Injured Pilot

Dr. Shota Musayev, a dentist, found himself in a dual, dramatic role during a Fly Dubai flight that turned into a terror incident. Musayev was one of three Israelis who tackled the Omani co-pilot who attempted to crash the plane. He later saved the life of the injured pilot. "I saw something was wrong and ran forward, I didn't wait to be called," Musayev recounted to Ynet. "I came to fight a terrorist when I heard screams, I didn't come to provide medical assistance. But after we tied up the attacker, I treated the stabbed pilot."

According to Musayev, the only doctor on board, the pilot's condition was very serious, suffering severe bleeding from his head and hands. The Israeli doctor managed to stop the bleeding and stabilize the pilot's condition until near landing. While bleeding on the floor, the pilot communicated with his rescuers, mentioning he had two children and describing how the attacker stabbed and cursed him. After landing, the captain was transferred to Saudi medical teams who, according to Musayev, declared him out of danger. The medical treatment was only possible after a difficult physical struggle with the attacker.

Another passenger, Zvika Mans, who participated in the takeover, said the attacker tried to steer the plane directly towards the ground, causing passengers to fly around the cabin amidst screams. "We overpowered him, and it involved considerable physical violence," Mans described. "He's a strong man, probably on adrenaline." Musayev added that the attacker continued to struggle even after his legs and hands were bound, until he surrendered. "There were four of us who took control of the situation, and if not for that, we wouldn't be talking to you," Musayev stated, noting that a passenger named Yaniv was the first to jump on the attacker.

The entire incident was accompanied by mortal terror among the passengers, who experienced a steep dive within seconds. Musayev admitted the feeling of impending death was palpable: "We thought we were 100% going to die. The plane lost altitude crazily in half a minute. We started screaming 'Get the pilots,' and only when one of them entered the cockpit and took control did we realize we were saved."