{
  "id": 12798345,
  "title": "Capt. Smit Machchhar, flydubai hero pilot, was always 'two steps' ahead: ex-colleague",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/capt-smit-machchhar-flydubai-hero-pilot-was-always-two-steps-ahead-ex",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-08T05:32:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/capt-smit-machchhar-flydubai-hero-pilot-was-always-two-steps-ahead-ex-colleague-1.500702659"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former colleague Capt. Dharav Gosalia praised the extraordinary skills of flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, saying his ability to anticipate potential problems helped save the lives of 174 passengers during a terrifying cockpit attack. The incident occurred on flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, when Machchhar's co-pilot allegedly attacked him with a crash axe, attempting to seize control of the aircraft. Despite suffering life-threatening injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and off-duty crew to overpower the attacker. Gosalia, a longtime friend and former colleague, explained that Machchhar's habit of staying \"two steps ahead\" of the aircraft was instrumental in his response, as it instilled within him a readiness to react promptly to any situation.",
  "summary": "Capt. Smit Machchhar’s experience and instinct to prepare for any eventuality helped prevent what could have been an “unimaginable” disaster, a former colleague said. The flydubai captain is credited for helping save the lives of 174 passengers when he opened the cockpit door despite suffering life-threatening injuries in an attack by his co-pilot. The incident began several hours into flydubai…",
  "key_points": [
    "Captain Smit Machchhar saved 174 lives in cockpit attack",
    "Co-pilot attacked Machchhar with crash axe during Flight FZ1073",
    "Machchhar's proactive approach enabled swift response to threat"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Capt. Smit Machchhar's habit of anticipating potential problems allowed him to respond effectively in the crisis, likely saving the lives of everyone on board the flight.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}