FlyDubai Captain Recounts Harrowing Mid-Air Attack by Co-Pilot
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
A FlyDubai captain, Smith Bhupender Machhar, has described an attack by his co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami, on a flight to Tel Aviv on September 30. The co-pilot allegedly struck Machhar and attempted to take control of the Boeing 737. The captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing the crew and passengers to subdue the attacker. The plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with all 180 people on board surviving.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- FlyDubai Captain Smith Bhupender Machhar detailed a co-pilot's alleged hijacking attempt on flight FZ1073 to Tel Aviv.
- The co-pilot, Hammam Al-Hammami, reportedly attacked the captain from behind after requesting to pray.
- Machhar's opening of the cockpit door allowed crew and passengers to subdue the attacker.
- Two qualified pilot passengers helped regain control after the plane lost altitude.
- The flight diverted to Saudi Arabia, with all 180 people on board surviving.
- Captain Machhar sustained injuries and is recovering in the hospital.
The captain of a FlyDubai flight has detailed a terrifying incident on September 30, when his co-pilot allegedly attempted to seize control of their Boeing 737 en route to Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion Airport. Captain Smith Bhupender Machhar, speaking from a hospital bed to Sky News Arabic, described how the situation escalated after the second pilot requested to pray.
Machhar explained that the co-pilot, identified by UAE authorities as Hammam Al-Hammami from Oman, stood up to pray. As Machhar focused on the flight instruments, Al-Hammami, standing behind him, delivered a powerful blow to the captain's head. Machhar reported losing consciousness and struggling to maintain control amidst repeated blackouts.
The attack occurred in the confined cockpit of the aircraft, which was carrying 172 passengers and eight crew members. Despite his injuries and disorientation, Machhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing the crew and passengers to intervene. Two passengers, who were reportedly qualified pilots, played a crucial role in helping to regain control after the plane lost thousands of feet in altitude.
The flight was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia due to the emergency. While the captain sustained injuries requiring hospitalization, all 180 people on board survived the incident without fatalities. Sky News Arabic noted that Machhar's account reflects his personal perception, given his injuries and periods of unconsciousness. A full interview is scheduled for October 17.
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