‘I was afraid we’d lose him’: Israeli dentist recalls saving injured Indian pilot after Flydubai cockpit attack
PTC Web Desk: An Indian pilot flying a flydubai aircraft was bleeding heavily and struggling to remain conscious after he was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot, but he still managed to open the cockpit door during the emergency. His alertness helped prevent a major disaster, according to a passenger who treated him on board.
Musaev Shota, an Israeli dentist travelling on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, was among the passengers who rushed towards the cockpit after noticing that something was seriously wrong. He later helped restrain the Omani co-pilot who was allegedly attempting to take control of the aircraft and crash it.
Shota then attended to Captain Smit Machchhar, who had suffered severe injuries and was losing a large amount of blood.
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According to the dentist, Machchhar was in serious condition, with deep injuries to his head and hands. Shota said he was the only medical professional among the passengers and immediately worked to control the pilot's bleeding.
“I managed to stop the bleeding and the pilot was fairly stable until shortly before landing, when his condition deteriorated somewhat,” he said.
Shota was reported as saying by CNN that the pilot had suffered extensive cuts. Despite his injuries and significant blood loss, Machchhar remained conscious for much of the flight and was able to communicate with the passengers assisting him.
The dentist said Machchhar told them he was 39 years old and had two children. He also recalled that the injured pilot continued praying while they waited for the aircraft to land. “I was afraid we would really lose him,” Shota was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
The aircraft eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where medical teams took over the treatment of the injured pilot.
Indian missions monitor pilot's condition
India's Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah said they were closely monitoring Captain Machchhar's condition following the incident.
The Indian Embassy said the pilot was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk City and was receiving medical treatment. Initial information indicated that his condition was stable, although the mission said it was awaiting a more detailed medical update.
The embassy also said it was in contact with Machchhar's family and would continue coordinating with Saudi authorities to provide all possible assistance.
- PTC NEWS
