Flydubai Captain Hailed as Hero After Co-Pilot Attacks Him With Crash Axe
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A Flydubai captain is being hailed for helping avert a potential aviation disaster after authorities say his co-pilot attacked him with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of a passenger jet flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The attack occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, on September 30, 2026. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said Saturday that investigators determined the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft in what authorities described as an attempted “terrorist act.” The investigation into the motive and possible connections remains underway. Reuters
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and veteran pilot, suffered serious injuries during the attack. Despite being wounded, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene and overpower the co-pilot. The National
During the struggle, the aircraft experienced terrifying altitude changes. Flight-tracking data showed the jet plunging from about 34,000 feet to 16,600 feet, later descending to approximately 15,000 feet. The aircraft transmitted emergency code 7700 before switching to 7500, the international transponder code indicating unlawful interference or hijacking. AP News
After the attacker was subdued, off-duty Flydubai pilots traveling aboard the aircraft helped take control. The plane diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. No passengers suffered serious injuries. The National
Saudi authorities initially investigated the incident with assistance from a UAE security team. The captain and co-pilot were hospitalized before being transferred to Abu Dhabi. Al Jazeera
UAE authorities say their investigation continues, including examination of physical and digital evidence to determine the co-pilot’s motive and whether anyone else was involved.
Under our justice system, every person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The fact that the defendant has been charged with a criminal offense is not evidence of guilt.