Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recovering after flydubai cockpit attack, embassy says
Captain Smit Machchhar of flydubai flight FZ1073 rescued the aircraft from a dangerous descent due to his co-pilot's actions. The co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, attacked Machchhar with an axe, causing a depressed skull fracture. This serious injury involves a piece of the skull being forced inward towards the brain. Machchhar underwent emergency surgery in Saudi Arabia before being flown back to the UAE for further treatment.
A senior neurosurgeon, Dr. Krishan Kumar Yadav, explained that the surgery involves careful incisions, removal of the pressed-in skull fragment, and repair of any damage to the protective brain membrane. The Indian embassy in the UAE reported that Machchhar is making steady progress and regaining his health. However, recovery is a gradual process with fluctuating periods of rest and improvement.
Captain Machchhar recounted the incident, describing how the co-pilot began praying and then started attacking him with blows to the head. He initially thought the aircraft was in trouble but soon realized the danger came from within the cockpit.
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- Flydubai cockpit attack: Incident left Capt Machchhar with 'depressed skull fracture' timesofindia.indiatimes.com
