Flydubai Pilot Suffered Severe Skull Fracture in Attack

New details have emerged regarding the severe injuries sustained by Smith Macher, the 38-year-old captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, during an attempted hijacking. Macher suffered a depressed skull fracture, a serious injury where a portion of the skull breaks inward, caused by an attack with an emergency axe in the cockpit. Following the incident, the plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Macher underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct the damaged part of his skull. He was later transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment.

Previously, it was known that Macher sustained severe injuries to his head and hand and lost significant blood. He had also reported blurred vision after the initial blows. The latest reports reveal that in addition to the skull fracture, he also suffered injuries to his limbs, chest, and upper abdomen. He is still experiencing severe headaches and undergoing neurological tests, but his condition is improving, and he can now walk short distances and eat.

Despite his critical injuries, Macher managed to reach and open the cockpit door during the attack. This allowed passengers and crew to reach the co-pilot and subdue the assailant. Two other pilots then assisted in stabilizing the aircraft for landing in Saudi Arabia. Macher recounted lying on the cockpit floor, feeling the plane lose altitude, and understanding the situation despite his impaired vision, motivating him to try and reach the door.

An Israeli dentist, Shohata Moussaev, who treated Macher for about 45 minutes until landing, described the severity of his condition. Moussaev attempted to stop the bleeding using shirts provided by passengers and kept Macher conscious by talking to him and elevating his legs as his pulse weakened. Macher is continuing his rehabilitation in Abu Dhabi, with his recovery described as positive. He has expressed a desire to return to flying in the future.