‘I can’t accept my death’: Smit Machchhar recalls axe attack by co-pilot on flydubai flight

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was brutally attacked by his co-pilot with an axe during a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv on September 30. Machchhar recounted his harrowing experience to Sky News Arabia, describing how he remained conscious and determined to survive. He said he couldn't accept his death. After being struck on the head, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and hold his attacker, Hammam al-Hammami, until cabin crew and other passengers intervened in the emergency landing at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

All 180 people on board were safely evacuated. The incident is being treated as an attempted hijacking by UAE authorities, and al-Hammami has been arrested. The small cockpit of the Boeing 737, according to Machchhar, made it difficult for him to avoid staring at a person praying. He turned his attention to his computer to check the flight timing when the co-pilot began praying.

The co-pilot's strike felt like a strong, hard hit to the back of Machchhar's head, leaving him disoriented and unsure of what had happened. He was hit multiple times and lost consciousness numerous times before realizing he was being attacked. Machchhar's determination to fight led him to call for help, eventually opening the cockpit door and managing to overpower al-Hammami along with other passengers and off-duty pilots.

Upon landing, Machchhar suffered injuries to his head, neck, and hands. The co-pilot, al-Hammami, had reportedly been barred from flying in Oman due to his extremist views, and UAE authorities are investigating the case as an attempted hijacking. Al-Hammami faces arrest for his alleged actions.