Flydubai Captain Honored After Surviving Terror Attack, Medical Experts Analyze Injuries

Captain Smith Machchhar of Flydubai, who was severely injured in an attack by a co-pilot on September 30, appeared in uniform at an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi on October 27. The 39-year-old captain was struck multiple times with an emergency axe by the co-pilot, identified as 29-year-old Hamam al-Khamami, during flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The attack caused the aircraft to rapidly lose altitude, but quick intervention by Israeli passengers prevented a potential crash into Ben Gurion Airport. Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite severe bleeding and blurred vision, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. Dr. Shota Musaev, a dentist among the passengers, provided initial aid to stop the bleeding. The plane, diverted from its route, landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar underwent emergency surgery before being transferred to a hospital in Abu Dhabi.

At the ceremony, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed awarded Machchhar and other crew members the Order of Zayed II, the country's second-highest civilian honor. Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed presented the awards. Fiji-based pilot Hanson Steven, who assisted in landing the aircraft in Tabuk, was also recognized. UAE Diplomatic Advisor Anwar Gargash praised the crew's courage and heroism in protecting passenger lives.

Photographs of Machchhar at the ceremony, showing his head injuries, drew attention from neurosurgeons. American neurosurgeon Dr. Sanat Dixit noted the severity of the injury, suggesting an open, depressed skull fracture and extensive craniotomy. He highlighted the proximity of the blows to the superior sagittal sinus, a major venous vessel, indicating a high risk of catastrophic bleeding or other life-threatening complications during surgery. Professor Rachelle Grossman from Rambam Medical Center confirmed visible scalp lacerations consistent with axe blows and likely underlying skull fractures near the midline sinus. She cautioned that definitive conclusions about the extent of surgical intervention cannot be made solely from photographs, but noted the complexity of operating near the venous sinus.

Israeli medical experts, including Professor Grossman and Dr. Aziz Mazareb, head of neurological services at Clalit Health Services, discussed the potential risks and recovery. They noted that while venous bleeding is less immediately dangerous than arterial, it can still be life-threatening. The depressed skull fracture posed a risk of pressure on brain tissue and blood vessels. Despite the severity of his injuries, Machchhar's ability to resist the attacker and help save passengers before losing consciousness was highlighted. Both doctors suggested that Machchhar's relatively young age offers good prospects for recovery, though intensive rehabilitation will be necessary.