‘Blows Kept Coming’: Indian Pilot Capt Smit Machchhar Recounts Flydubai Cockpit Attack to Netanyahu, Details Co-Pilot’s Alleged Crash Attempt, Axe Assault & How He Fought to Save the Aircraft

Indian flydubai pilot Capt Smit Machchhar has given a detailed account of the terrifying cockpit incident involving his co-pilot during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Machchhar, who is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in the UAE, recalled being repeatedly struck from behind before realising that the danger was coming from the other person inside the cockpit.

The Indian pilot said the attack left his vision severely blurred and that he remembers parts of the incident only in fragments. He also described how he made a final effort to reach and open the cockpit door as the aircraft was sharply descending and passengers were screaming.

According to a post shared by the X account, @IsraeliPM, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a conversation with the Indian pilot from the flight from Dubai, Captain Smit Machchhar: 

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“You are a hero for Israel, India, and the entire world. I invite Prime Minister 

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 and you to light a flame on Israeli Independence Day.” 🇮🇱🇮🇳

During the emotional conversation that took place this evening, the Prime Minister asked Captain Machchhar how it all started, and Machchhar revealed new details about the terrifying moments in the cockpit.”

What Happened To Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar?

Machchhar told Netanyahu that the incident began after the co-pilot requested time to pray. The Indian captain said he respected the request and looked towards the front of the cockpit.

After around four to five minutes, Machchhar said he suddenly felt a “big blow” to the back of his head.

At first, he believed there could have been catastrophic damage to the aircraft. However, as the strikes continued, he realised that the problem was not with the aircraft but with the co-pilot sitting inside the cockpit.

‘The Blows Kept Coming’, Machchhar Recalls

Describing the attack to Netanyahu, Machchhar said the blows continued one after another.

The initial strikes severely affected his vision, leaving everything “completely blurred out”, according to his account. He said he tried to fight back and stop the co-pilot while simultaneously attempting to understand what was happening to the aircraft.