Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar Speaks Out on Cockpit Altercation Before Incident

A Flydubai aircraft carrying 174 people made an emergency landing in Tabuk. Saudi Arabia, after a violent confrontation between the captain and his co-pilot. Captain Smit Machchhar, 45, was stabbed by his colleague during a heated exchange in the cockpit on September 30.

Machchhar, a seasoned pilot with over 11 years of experience, had trained in textile engineering before joining the aviation industry. He had spoken about his unlikely journey into aviation in an old podcast. There, he discussed the growth of Indian aviation and the unpredictable situations pilots can face in the air.

The incident occurred during a routine flight, with Machchhar at the helm and his co-pilot seated beside him. According to flight-tracking data, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude, plummeting 14,300 feet in just 37 seconds. The dramatic descent was followed by the co-pilot's violent outburst, which led to Machchhar's stabbing.

When the hijacking unfolded, Machchhar, a seasoned SpiceJet commander, swiftly took charge, swiftly opening the cockpit door to enable passengers and crew to intervene, overpowering the attacker. Two off-duty pilots, coincidentally also passengers, proved instrumental in regaining control of the aircraft.

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Following the incident, Machchhar suffered serious injuries, with reports stating that he had been stabbed multiple times. The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols in place on commercial flights, particularly in regards to cockpit security.

The Flydubai aircraft, which was carrying passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk after the incident. An investigation into the cause of the altercation is currently underway. With Israeli officials stating that the co-pilot had attempted to take control of the aircraft.

Machchhar's past experience as a pilot has been widely reported, but the exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear. The Flydubai airline has released a statement expressing its condolences to Machchhar and his family. And promising to cooperate fully with the investigation.

After a decade-long tenure at SpiceJet, which he joined in 2011, Captain Machchhar transitioned to Flydubai in June 2022, taking on the role of captain. Prior to his Flydubai appointment, Machchhar held senior positions at SpiceJet. This includes a stint as senior commander and line training captain, where he oversaw training and evaluation of fellow pilots.

He has been based in Dubai since joining Flydubai.

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The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of commercial air travel. Aviation experts have called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the altercation and the safety protocols in place on Flydubai flights.

The Flydubai airline has promised to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew. The incident has also raised questions about the role of off-duty pilots in emergency situations.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with no further details having been released.