FlyDubai Captain Suffers Severe Head Injury, Vision Loss After Attack

The captain of a FlyDubai flight, Smith Machhar, sustained severe head injuries, vision problems, and partial memory loss following an assault by his co-pilot on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Indian media reports cited by Maariv, Machhar suffered a serious injury, including a depressed skull fracture, and experienced temporary vision impairment during the attack. He told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he could barely see immediately after the initial blows, describing his vision as "completely blurred." A depressed skull fracture occurs when a portion of the skull is pushed inward due to a strong impact, posing risks beyond bone damage by potentially affecting the brain's protective layers and underlying tissues, as explained by neuroanesthesiology specialist Gaurav Kakkar. In addition to the skull fracture and vision issues, Machhar sustained injuries to his limbs, arm, chest, and upper abdomen. He is currently receiving treatment in Abu Dhabi. While he has begun to walk and eat, Machhar continues to suffer from severe headaches and undergoes regular neurological examinations. His memory has not fully recovered, and he described his recollections of the incident as fragmented. Doctors are monitoring his vision and neurological status for potential complications such as bleeding, brain tissue damage, or swelling, using CT scans to assess the fracture and internal cranial injuries. Surgery is not always required, depending on the patient's condition and the severity of bone displacement and brain damage. Despite the severity of his injuries, Machhar's condition is gradually improving, and he has expressed a desire to return to flying, though this will depend on his continued recovery and medical evaluations.