{
  "id": 12352173,
  "title": "‘Don’t sleep please, we need you,’ dentist told flydubai pilot as he battled to save him",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/dont-sleep-please-we-need-you-dentist-told-flydubai-pilot-as-he-12352173",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T10:04:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/10/06/flydubai-pilot-israeli-dentist/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dr Shota Musaev, a 47-year-old dentist, played a crucial role in saving the life of flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar during a suspected terrorist attack on Flight FZ1073 on September 30. The incident occurred as the aircraft was en route from China via Dubai to Israel. Dr Musaev was alerted to the situation when he heard screams and later saw Captain Machchhar in distress with heavy bleeding from his head and left hand.\n\nMusaev quickly rushed to the scene, realizing that the bleeding couldn't be controlled with just T-shirts. He asked the flight attendants for ice, which he used to apply pressure on the wounds. Throughout the ordeal, he continuously monitored the captain's vital signs and kept him conscious by asking him not to sleep and expressing reassurance. He also ensured the captain's feet were propped up, which helped stabilize his pulse when it had dropped dangerously low.\n\nDespite the intense pressure and fear, Musaev remained focused on providing medical assistance. He communicated with Captain Machchhar, asking about his family and providing comfort. He even handed the captain over to medical professionals upon landing in Saudi Arabia. Musaev emphasized that everyone on the flight, including passengers, had contributed to the successful outcome, with one woman having raised the alarm.\n\nThe dentist admitted to suffering from post-traumatic stress in the days following the event, experiencing sleep disturbances and weight loss. However, he expressed gratitude towards Captain Machchhar, whom he referred to as a hero, and thanked all the passengers for their roles in turning what could have been a catastrophe into a life-saving situation.",
  "summary": "The dentist who helped save the life of flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar said he feared time was running out when a group of passengers and reserve pilots took control of Flight FZ1073 and foiled a suspected terrorist attack. Dr Shota Musaev, 47, spoke to The National about the terrifying 45 minutes in which he struggled to control the blood gushing from stab wounds on Capt Machchhar’s head and…",
  "key_points": [
    "Dentist Dr Shota Musaev saved flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar during a suspected terrorist attack.",
    "Musaev used ice to control Captain Machchhar's heavy bleeding and monitored his vital signs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "‘Don’t sleep please, we need you,’ dentist told flydubai pilot as he battled to save him",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/dont-sleep-please-we-need-you-dentist-told-flydubai-pilot-as-he-12358959",
        "published": "2026-10-06T10:04:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}