Indian Pilot Survives Axe Attack to Save 174 Lives
In a harrowing act of bravery, Captain Smit Machchhar, a 38-year-old Gujarat-born pilot based in the UAE, survived a brutal cockpit attack that nearly resulted in a mass-casualty aviation disaster. The incident occurred during flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board.
New medical details released on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, reveal the extent of the violence Captain Machchhar endured. During the flight, his Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly used a crash axe to attack the captain in a premeditated attempt to hijack the aircraft.
A Calculated Hijacking Attempt
According to UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the co-pilot used prayer as a pretext to leave his seat before launching the assault. Israeli officials have stated that al-Hammami, who had previously been barred from flying in Oman due to extremist online activity, confessed to a plan to crash the jet into a skyscraper in Tel Aviv.
The aircraft's descent was terrifying. Reports indicate the plane plummeted approximately 18,000 feet in just two minutes, with some data suggesting a drop of 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. During the chaos, the aircraft's transponder broadcast the 7500 code, which is used to signal a hijacking.
Heroism Under Fire
Despite suffering life-threatening injuries, Captain Machchhar’s actions were instrumental in saving the lives of everyone on board. Even as he was being attacked, he managed to unlock the cockpit door twice, providing an opportunity for passengers and crew members to intervene and stop the co-pilot.
While the cockpit was in turmoil, two off-duty flydubai pilots managed to assume control of the aircraft. They successfully navigated the plane to a safe landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Severe Injuries and Medical Recovery
The physical toll on Captain Machchhar has been immense. Medical reports confirm he suffered a depressed skull fracture, with a bone fragment driven into his brain. He has also sustained significant vision loss due to damage to his optic nerve, along with severe lacerations to his head and hands.
Initial emergency aid was provided on board by Dr. Shota Musaev, a dentist who was among the passengers. Following the emergency surgery required to reconstruct his skull in Saudi Arabia, the captain was airlifted to Abu Dhabi for specialized treatment.
The captain's courage has drawn international recognition:
- Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the captain in his Abu Dhabi hospital to honor his role in protecting lives.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both spoken with the captain during his recovery.
- Special prayers were held for his health at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
The co-pilot remains in custody, and Israeli authorities have called for a comprehensive review of aviation security protocols following this unprecedented event.