Captain Smit Machchhar

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national and flydubai pilot, was attacked by a co-pilot aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

“Was not sure I'll make it out alive”

Attack on flight FZ1073

Co-pilot attacked captain with a crash axe during flight FZ1073 in Saudi airspace, intending to crash plane into Ben Gurion Airport.

Captain's defense

Captain blocked axe blows to head, bandaged head and left arm, and screamed for help while reaching for cockpit door knob.

Aircraft plunge

Aircraft plunged 16,000 feet (4,900 metres) in 30 seconds before co-pilot was overwhelmed and plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

Co-pilot's identity

Co-pilot was an Omani national transferred to UAE after incident, with UAE public prosecutors linking plan to Sept 11, 2001 attacks.

Captain's condition

Captain Smit Machchhar was hospitalized in Abu Dhabi with head and left arm bandaged after attack.

Captain's thoughts

Captain thought aircraft structure was compromised when first blow landed, then realized he was being attacked and things took drastic turn.

Captain's actions

Captain freed himself from seat belts, blocked blows as much as possible, and screamed for colleagues while reaching for cockpit door knob.

Captain's fear

Captain described aircraft nose steeply going down as scariest feeling, and was unsure if he would make it out alive from incident.

UAE investigation

UAE attorney general said co-pilot intended suicide attack to crash plane into Ben Gurion Airport, with plan inspired by Sept 11, 2001 attacks.

Co-pilot's fate

Co-pilot was transferred to UAE after incident, with UAE public prosecutors launching criminal investigation on October 1.

Flight details

Flight FZ1073 was in Saudi airspace when attack occurred, with aircraft landing safely in Saudi Arabia after 30 seconds plunge.