Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot with extensive commercial aviation experience, has been credited with helping prevent a potentially catastrophic incident aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to reports, the flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 166 Israeli citizens, when an altercation involving the two pilots took place in the cockpit. The co-pilot, an Omani national, allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Despite suffering injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to regain control of the Boeing 737 MAX and prevent the aircraft from continuing its rapid descent. Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft dropped more than 14,000 feet—from approximately 30,875 feet to 16,750 feet—in just 29 seconds, at an extremely high rate of descent.
Captain Machchhar’s actions allowed other crew members to gain access to the cockpit and restrain the co-pilot. Two additional pilots who were travelling as passengers subsequently took over the aircraft.
The flight was then diverted safely to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft’s rudder, which is responsible for directional control, was reportedly detached during the sharp descent.
A flydubai spokesperson confirmed that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck.
Captain Machchhar previously worked with SpiceJet for around a decade before joining flydubai. He completed his commercial pilot training in New Zealand and later underwent Boeing 737 type-rating training at a flight-training centre in Manesar.
A senior pilot who had trained him described him as a calm, disciplined and dedicated professional who was always willing to learn.
Captain Machchhar was reported to be in stable condition following the incident. His brother is also a commercial pilot with flydubai.
