An Indian pilot who helped prevent a potential crash on a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv described his struggle to save the plane and its passengers during a video call with India's prime minister.
The pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, was recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital after being seriously injured during the attack. He told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he made a final effort to open the cockpit door despite being stabbed by his Omani co-pilot, who had set the plane on a steep descent.
The aircraft plummeted about 17,000 feet in a minute before passengers entered the cockpit and subdued the attacker. The plane was eventually landed safely in Tabouk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot was arrested and is being interrogated by Saudi authorities, while Emirati investigators are examining potential links to terror organisations.
Why it matters
Smit Machchhar says he realized passengers would lose their lives if he did not act; the broader context is that The pilot, Smit Machchhar, spoke from a hospital bed in Abu Dhabi during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether the investigation reveals details about the attack’s origin and the relief crew’s role.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.