Indian Pilot Recounts Near-Fatal Attack in Cockpit
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
The captain of a Flydubai flight, Sumit Bhupendra Machhar, recounted a sudden, violent attack in the cockpit that occurred while his co-pilot was praying. Machhar was struck from behind, losing consciousness at times during the assault. Two passenger pilots helped regain control after the plane lost altitude, diverting it safely to Saudi Arabia. All 172 passengers and eight crew members survived the incident.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Captain Sumit Bhupendra Machhar described a sudden, violent attack on him in the cockpit.
- Machhar was struck forcefully on the back of the head, losing consciousness intermittently.
- The incident occurred while the co-pilot was standing to pray within the cockpit.
- Two passenger pilots intervened to regain control of the aircraft after it lost altitude.
- The flight was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.
- All 172 passengers and eight crew members survived the incident.
In an interview with Sky News Arabia, Machhar described how the co-pilot, intending to pray, stood up within the confines of the 737's cockpit. To show respect, Machhar stated he tried not to look at the praying individual. While Machhar continued his duties, checking flight data, he was suddenly struck forcefully on the back of the head. He described the impact as severe and disorienting, initially unsure of what had hit him. The captain confirmed he lost consciousness at points during the assault, experiencing intermittent awareness. The interview, scheduled to air in full later, highlights the pilot's personal experience and recollection of events. Two qualified pilots, who happened to be passengers, intervened to regain control of the aircraft after it rapidly lost thousands of meters in altitude. The plane was diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All 172 passengers and eight crew members survived the ordeal.
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