An Israeli dentist aboard a flydubai flight is being credited with saving the life of an Indian pilot who was stabbed by his co-pilot during a mid-air altercation. The incident occurred on flight FZ1073, where the pilot, Smit Machchhar, was attacked by his co-pilot, who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. Despite suffering severe injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and restrain the attacker, thereby securing the safety of the 174 people on board.
Musaev Shota, a dentist who was among the passengers, rushed to the cockpit after noticing the disturbance. Shota, who identified himself as the only medical professional on the flight, provided emergency care to the pilot. Describing the severity of the injuries, Shota told CNN, "His head and his hands were practically sliced open, almost severed in two." He further noted that while the pilot was in serious condition due to significant blood loss, he remained conscious and communicative throughout the ordeal.
Recounting the moments to the Israeli outlet Ynet, Shota said, "I didn't wait. I saw something was wrong and ran." He added that while lying on the floor, the 39-year-old pilot spoke of his two children and prayed for his survival. Shota managed to stabilize Machchhar until the aircraft performed an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where local medical teams assumed responsibility for his care. Shota later confirmed that he was informed the pilot had survived and was out of immediate danger.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah have confirmed they are monitoring the situation closely. In a statement released on X, the embassy reported that Captain Machchhar is receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk City and is currently in stable condition. Officials stated they are in direct contact with the pilot’s family and are coordinating with Saudi authorities to ensure he receives all necessary support for his recovery.
