A major mid-air emergency was reported aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday when a violent incident reportedly broke out inside the cockpit shortly after the aircraft departed Dubai for Tel Aviv. The aircraft was eventually diverted and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Sudden Descent Triggers Panic
According to reports, the Boeing 737 experienced a dramatic loss of altitude during the incident, reportedly dropping nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Emergency code 7700 was reportedly transmitted, followed by code 7500, which is commonly associated with a hijacking situation. However, authorities have not independently confirmed that the incident was an attempted hijacking.
Captain Reportedly Attacked in Cockpit
Reports say Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked with a knife by the co-pilot during a confrontation in the cockpit. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and others onboard to intervene. Several passengers reportedly entered the cockpit and helped restrain the co-pilot.
Two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers also reportedly assisted in stabilising the situation and helping operate the aircraft. The flight was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
Passenger Helps Injured Captain
An Israeli passenger identified in reports as dentist Shota Musayev reportedly provided medical assistance to Machchhar after the confrontation. He helped control the pilot’s bleeding until the aircraft landed. Machchhar was later taken to a hospital in Tabuk. Reports on Thursday said his condition was stable.
Investigation Underway
The exact motive and sequence of events inside the cockpit remain under investigation. Israeli authorities have said the incident will be jointly investigated, while reports have identified the co-pilot as an Omani national.
Machchhar has more than a decade of experience flying Boeing 737 aircraft and joined Flydubai in 2022 after previously working with SpiceJet, according to reports.