A very serious incident occurred mid-air on flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to CNN-News18, top intelligence sources have described this incident as a premeditated 9/11-like conspiracy, which was averted by the extraordinary intervention of the Indian captain and the brave passengers on board. However, the investigation is still ongoing regarding the motive behind the incident and classifying it as a terrorist conspiracy. According to Reuters report, authorities have started investigating the incident and the motive of the attack has not been officially confirmed yet.
This incident happened in Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft of Flydubai. The plane was going from Dubai to Tel Aviv and there were about 180 passengers on board. A large number of them are said to be Israeli citizens.
What happened in the flight?
According to intelligence assessment, during the flight, the Omani co-pilot present inside the cockpit suddenly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machar. It is alleged that he attacked the Captain several times with a sharp weapon. This weapon was allegedly brought inside the plane after passing the airport security check.
What did the attacker want?
It was told that the purpose of the attack was to completely incapacitate Captain Machar, i.e. to render him incapable of flying the aircraft. According to intelligence sources, the attacker’s alleged intention was to take control of the plane and bring it down at high speed. The assessment also said that an attempt could have been made to direct the aircraft towards heavily populated areas of Israel, with Tel Aviv or Jerusalem cited as possible targets.
During this time the situation in the cockpit remained very tense. It is alleged that the co-pilot was trying to tamper with the flight control system of the aircraft and deactivate the safety controls.
The plane sent a hijack signal?
As the struggle in the cockpit escalated, the aircraft transmitted the Squawk 7500 code. This is an international emergency code used in aviation, which means illegal interference or possible hijacking of an aircraft. After this signal, an immediate alert was issued among the security agencies of the area. Israeli officials also prepared fighter planes in view of the situation of the plane and were sent to intercept them.
The plane descended 14 thousand feet in a few seconds
During the incident, a sudden huge drop in the altitude of the aircraft was recorded. According to available flight-tracking data, the Boeing 737 aircraft fell about 14,000 feet. Hindustan Times, quoting flight-tracking data, reported that the plane descended to about 14,300 feet and later transmitted a transponder code indicating illegal interference.
Captain Smit Machar was seriously injured in the attack. He suffered injuries on his head and body and lost a lot of blood. Despite this he continued to fight the attacker. It was told that the Captain gained significant time in stopping the attacker. During this time, the crew and passengers present in the cabin of the aircraft got a chance to understand the situation and reach the cockpit.
How did people help?
After this, the cabin crew and some passengers reached the cockpit and helped in controlling the alleged attacker. According to available reports, other pilots on board also played a role in stabilizing the aircraft. According to Reuters, the passengers and crew controlled the co-pilot, after which the plane landed safely with the help of additional pilots present on board.
Where did the emergency landing take place?
After gaining control of the situation, the plane was diverted towards Tabuk located in the north-western part of Saudi Arabia instead of Israel. Flight FZ1073 made a safe emergency landing at Tabuk Airport. Flydubai said that all the passengers on board the plane are safe and all have been traced. The airline also said that it is cooperating with the relevant authorities in the investigation of the incident.
After landing in Tabuk, the injured Captain Smit Machar was taken to the hospital for treatment. The co-pilot was also taken to the hospital and the matter is being investigated by Saudi authorities. According to Reuters, Machar’s condition is said to be stable and he has suffered moderate injuries.
Who is Captain Smit Machar?
The Indian captain of the flight has been identified as Smit Machar. According to media reports, he is an Indian citizen and has previously worked with SpiceJet. According to Hindustan Times, he was working as a captain in flydubai’s Boeing 737 fleet since June 2022. According to his profile, he has about 9,750 flying hours of experience on Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Media reports said that the mosquito played an important role in saving the aircraft despite the attack and controlling the situation.
After the attack, Captain Machar was admitted to a local military hospital in Tabuk. According to available information, he has suffered serious injuries on his head and body. Quoting senior Indian officials, it has been told that his condition is currently stable and he is said to be out of immediate danger. Strict security arrangements have been made in the hospital. There has been a ban on entry of outsiders into the hospital.
What did PM Modi say about Captor Mosquito?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the bravery of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machar. Captain Smit played an important role in saving the lives of 174 people aboard a Flydubai flight. PM Modi called him a “hero” and praised his courage in difficult circumstances. PM Modi wrote on social media platform X, “Captain Smit Machar is a hero.”
He further said, “Despite such great danger and despite being seriously injured, he displayed tremendous courage. His resolve to save the lives of others remained unwavering. His bravery helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.”
What did Netanyahu say?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has saluted the extraordinary bravery of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machar. Netanyahu wrote, “I salute the extraordinary bravery of the Indian pilot, Captain Smit Machar. Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he confronted the attacker, resisted him and succeeded in opening the cockpit door. This helped the passengers and crew overpower the attacker and averted a major disaster in the air.”
He further said, “Captain Machar saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and citizens of other countries. I wish Captain Machar a speedy and complete recovery.”