Who Is Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar? The Captain Who Saved 174 Lives Despite Being Seriously Injured

A major mid-air emergency involving flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv in Israel, was narrowly averted after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a knife and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s systems.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children. Despite being seriously injured and covered in blood, Indian captain Smit Machchhar displayed remarkable courage and presence of mind, helping prevent a potential disaster and ensuring the aircraft was brought safely to the ground.
Following the attack, the aircraft reportedly descended rapidly from around 34,000 feet to 17,000 feet, creating a critical situation for everyone on board. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to activate the cockpit door release. Once the door opened, passengers and cabin crew entered the cockpit and helped restrain the co-pilot.
With assistance from other pilots and crew members, control of the aircraft was restored. The flight was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all 174 people on board safe.
Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar?
According to the information available, Captain Smit Machchhar is from Mumbai, India’s financial capital. He has nearly 15 years of flying experience and has logged more than 9,750 flight hours. He is an experienced Boeing 737 captain.
Aviation was reportedly not his original career plan. As a young man, Machchhar had planned to join his family’s textile business and studied textile engineering. He later pursued studies at Welingkar Institute of Management in Mumbai.
His interest in aviation reportedly developed when he was around 19 years old after attending a seminar. He subsequently travelled to New Zealand for pilot training.
Machchhar spent more than 11 years with SpiceJet, where he eventually became a Line Training Captain. He joined flydubai in 2022. Reports also indicate that he prefers to keep his personal life separate from his professional career.
How Did the Injured Pilot Help Save 174 People?
The emergency unfolded while flydubai flight FZ1073 was airborne. According to the reported account, the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar with a knife and attempted to damage the aircraft's systems in an effort to cause a crash.
The aircraft then began losing altitude rapidly, falling thousands of feet within seconds.
Despite suffering serious injuries and being covered in blood, Machchhar remained focused on preventing a catastrophe. He managed to press the release button that opened the cockpit door. Passengers and cabin crew then entered the cockpit a