Pilot’s cockpit-door decision helped passengers stop alleged in-flight attack

Captain Smit Machchhar’s decision to open the cockpit door helped passengers intervene during an alleged attack on a flydubai flight carrying 174 people, according to India Today. Machchhar was reportedly stabbed multiple times by his co-pilot during flight FZ 1073, which was travelling from Saudi Arabia to Tel Aviv. The aircraft sent emergency code 7700, indicating a general emergency, followed by code 7500, used to signal possible hijacking or unlawful interference.

The incident occurred about two hours into the three-hour flight. Reports said the aircraft descended and spun out of control, prompting Israel to scramble fighter jets because of fears that the plane was being hijacked. Although the precise sequence remained unclear, the account said Machchhar was bleeding heavily on the cockpit floor when he used what remained of his strength to release the door from inside.

The opening allowed passengers to enter the cockpit. Israeli Prime Minister’s spokesperson Doron Spielman said passengers found the injured captain on the floor while the other pilot was allegedly interfering with the aircraft’s controls. Passengers subdued the co-pilot.

Among those who entered was dentist Dr Shota Musaev, who treated Machchhar until help was available. Musaev said the captain had severe cuts and had lost a large amount of blood. Two off-duty flydubai pilots travelling as passengers took control of the aircraft and carried out an emergency landing at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

Machchhar was taken to hospital and was reported to be in stable condition. The report said cockpit doors are reinforced and designed to prevent unauthorised entry, but aircraft such as the Boeing 737 have an emergency access mechanism. In this case, the alleged threat came from inside the cockpit, making the captain’s decision to open the door central to the passengers’ intervention.