Flydubai Pilot Recounts Cockpit Assault to Netanyahu
· World · Times of India, Hindustan Times
Captain Smit Machchhar described to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu how a co-pilot suddenly struck him on the back of the head while the two were in the cockpit. Machchhar recalled the co-pilot wanting to pray before the attack, and said he looked forward out of respect when the blows began after four to five minutes. The pilot said he subsequently realised the co-pilot was attacking him, not that the aircraft was damaged. Despite blurred vision and the co-pilot repeatedly shutting the cockpit door, Machchhar fought back and finally opened it, allowing crew and passengers to regain control as the aircraft descended rapidly.
Why it matters
The incident highlights a serious security breach in commercial aviation, raising concerns about cockpit safety and crew vulnerability mid-flight, and underscores the physical danger pilots can face even on routine flights.
Read the original report — Times of India
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