Flydubai captain describes co-pilot's axe attack and saving 170 passengers
During the attack in the cockpit, Smit Machchhar says he calmed himself and said: "You can't die like this."
Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar recounted the harrowing axe attack by co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami during a recent interview. The incident occurred on a flight carrying 174 passengers to Israel. Authorities allege that al-Hammami attempted to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The pilot described struggling to stay conscious after receiving multiple blows to his head before finally managing to open the cockpit door and call for help.
He recounted the terrifying moment when he realized his life was in jeopardy and vowed not to die in such a manner. After regaining his composure, Machchhar focused on protecting himself from further blows while trying to free himself from his seatbelt. The plane plummeted 4,900 meters in just 30 seconds before the co-pilot was stopped by two other pilots on board.
Machchhar praised his colleague for taking control of the situation and saving the day. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia, where al-Hammami was handed over to Emirati authorities.
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