HighLights
  1. Pilot Smit Machchhar feared death during cockpit assault.
  2. Recounts being hit hard, losing consciousness on flight.
  3. Colleague took controls, saved day during crisis.

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has recalled the terrifying moments when he feared he might not survive an alleged assault by his Omani co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight in September, describing how he urged himself to act before it was too late.

In a teaser released by Sky News Arabia ahead of an exclusive interview, Machchhar spoke about the moment he realised he had to fight back. The incident took place on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

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Asked whether he had thought he might not make it, Machchhar said: “I mean, I'm trying to get over it now, but yes, there was a moment that I realised, and I told myself that, Smith, do something. You can't die like this.”

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He clarified that he had not given up hope of surviving but understood that he needed to act.

“I'm not saying I accepted my death. It was like, do something, otherwise...” he added.

‘I Was In And Out Of Consciousness’

Recounting the assault, Machchhar said he was struck hard on the head while carrying out his duties. The impact was so severe that he drifted in and out of consciousness.

“I was doing my job, there was a hard hit on my head. I felt it was something very strong hit. I was in and out of consciousness,” he recalled.

The captain also described the chaotic scene after the cockpit door opened, remembering the panic and screams around him.

“When the door was open, it was a completely different scene. I remember being face down, and of course the panic which was there, the screaming which was there,” he said.

Captain Praises Colleague Who Took Over Controls

Machchhar also spoke about the actions of a fellow pilot who took control of the aircraft during the crisis. He credited his colleague with helping bring the situation under control and said the intervention would remain etched in his memory.

“The other thing, how my other colleague took over the controls and saved the day again, is something that I'll keep with me till I die,” he said.

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The captain also recalled another colleague praying during the ordeal. He said he chose not to look towards the fellow pilot while he was praying, out of respect for the moment.

What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

The incident occurred on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar was allegedly attacked inside the cockpit by his Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami.

The case has since drawn attention from Indian authorities. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Anti-Hijacking Act in connection with the incident, according to reports.

In his interview, Machchhar’s account offers a glimpse into the fear and confusion he experienced during the alleged attack, as well as the split-second decisions and teamwork that he says helped avert a worse outcome.

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