Indian leaders praise pilot after alleged attempt to crash Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have praised pilot Smit Machchhar after he helped prevent a flydubai flight from crashing following an altercation in the cockpit with his co-pilot. The flight, FZ1073, was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when it transmitted emergency signals and descended by more than 17,000 feet, from 34,000 feet, according to the supplied report. It later diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. Machchhar was stabbed during the cockpit altercation, which the report described as an alleged attempt by the co-pilot to crash the plane. Modi spoke with Machchhar’s wife and parents and praised the pilot’s actions, according to government sources.

The prime minister also said Indian missions were providing all possible assistance. Calling Machchhar a “HERO”, Modi said the pilot had acted with courage and determination despite being seriously injured. He said Machchhar’s actions had helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.

Murmu also commended the pilot’s response. She said his courage and presence of mind, despite his injuries, had helped protect the lives of others and prevent a major tragedy. She expressed her support for his recovery and wished him good health.

The report identified the aircraft as a flydubai service operating between Dubai and Tel Aviv. It did not provide further details about the co-pilot, the investigation into the cockpit incident or the condition of the other people on board. The praise from India’s president and prime minister followed international attention on the emergency diversion and the pilot’s role in bringing the flight to safety after the reported loss of altitude and cockpit confrontation.