‘There’s an extra pilot’, ‘sit down!’ Videos capture flydubai flight chaos after cockpit stabbing
Flydubai Flight Chaos After Cockpit Stabbing
Bharatmorningnews.com – “There s an extra pilot” was among the urgent remarks heard as passengers and crew responded to a violent cockpit incident on flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Indian captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured in an alleged attack by his co-pilot on Wednesday, while more than 170 people were aboard.
Passenger-recorded videos show confusion near the front of the aircraft as people tried to understand what was happening. During the confrontation, the plane reportedly dropped almost 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before control was restored.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. Machchhar was later reported to be stable, while Indian embassy officials in the UAE said they were closely monitoring his condition.
Videos Show Passengers Responding Near the Cockpit
Footage from inside the cabin captured passengers and crew moving toward the cockpit area as voices called out instructions in English and Hebrew. One person accused the co-pilot of attempting to bring down the aircraft, while others urged people to stay calm and return to their seats.
“He tried to crash the plane.”
“Relax.”
“Sit down.”
A crew member was also heard asking whether a doctor was on board. Amid the confusion, a voice said, “There s an extra pilot,” indicating that another qualified aviator could assist during the emergency.
People were seen entering and leaving the cockpit area, while one passenger emerged wearing a blood-stained shirt. Another person appeared to carry medical supplies toward the front of the plane.
Captain Opened Cockpit Access During Emergency
Although badly wounded, Machchhar reportedly activated the cockpit-door release. This allowed passengers and crew to enter the flight deck and help restrain the co-pilot.
A plumber travelling on the flight and pilots among the passengers were reported to have assisted in stabilising the situation. The intervention came after severe altitude fluctuations frightened people in the cabin, with some passengers later describing a falling sensation lasting about 20 to 30 seconds.
Flight-tracking data reflected the sudden descent and further changes in altitude before the aircraft was brought under control. The phrase “There s an extra pilot” later became one of the striking details from videos of the emergency response.
Co-Pilot Detained After Safe Landing in Saudi Arabia
Israeli officials identified the co-pilot as an Omani national. Saudi authorities detained him after the diversion to Tabuk, where investigators began examining the alleged stabbing, the sequence of events in the cockpit and the possible motive.
Another video recorded after landing showed Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun, believed to be among those who helped restrain the alleged attacker, walking through the cabin. Passengers chanted a Hebrew phrase of solidarity as he raised his fist.
“Am Yisroel Chai!”
The phrase means “The people of Israel live.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised those who intervened, saying their actions prevented a possible “9/11-style” tragedy. He later met some of the passengers who helped during the crisis.
Passengers Continue Journey After Long Delay
Passengers remained in Saudi Arabia for more than 10 hours after the emergency landing. They later travelled onward to Israel aboard a replacement flydubai aircraft.
The incident involved an alleged cockpit attack, a serious injury to the captain, a rapid descent and an extraordinary response from crew and passengers. “There s an extra pilot” reflected the need for immediate help as those on board worked to regain control of the situation.
FAQ: What Happened on the flydubai Flight?
Where did the flydubai aircraft land?
The flight was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
What happened to Captain Smit Machchhar?
He was seriously injured in the alleged cockpit attack but was reported to be stable after the emergency landing.
What should passengers do during an onboard emergency?
Passengers should follow crew instructions, remain seated unless directed otherwise and avoid obstructing trained crew or emergency responders. In this case, people close to the cockpit reportedly assisted after access was opened during the crisis.