The captain of Flydubai flight FZ1073, Sumit Machar, has given his account of the serious incident in the cockpit, where he says he was stabbed several times by the co-pilot. During a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the pilot broke down in tears as he described a last attempt to open the cockpit door and, according to his account, avoid a larger catastrophe.
Account from hospital after the incident
Machar, an Indian citizen, remains hospitalized from the injuries he sustained during the confrontation with the co-pilot, who according to him was an Omani citizen. This was the first time he has spoken publicly in detail about what happened inside the cockpit.
In the conversation with Modi, the captain said that in those minutes he was fighting for his life while the aircraft began to lose altitude. He said he collapsed to the floor from his injuries, but realized he had to get up and act immediately.
The moment that, according to the pilot, changed everything
According to his version, the decisive point was the moment he felt the aircraft descending. He said that, despite being seriously injured, he understood that one final move toward the cockpit door could open the way for intervention.
Machar said he managed to open the door, which then allowed others to enter. In his account, that action was what prevented an even more serious outcome for the aircraft traveling to Tel Aviv.
The call with Modi and the emotional moment
During the call, Narendra Modi asked the captain to speak about the event himself. Machar replied by saying that he considers the Indian prime minister his role model and that the call and support had made him feel proud.
At the end of the conversation, the captain became emotional and burst into tears. According to what was made public from the call, Modi praised the pilot’s courage and wished him a speedy recovery.
Treatment in Saudi Arabia and how he coped with fear
The captain also spoke about the medical help he received after the plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. He said that since arriving there he had received the best possible care.
Machar added that during the most difficult moments he tried to remain calm by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa, a Hindu hymn dedicated to Hanuman. According to him, this helped him cope with pain and fear, both on the plane and later during treatment.
The incident again sheds light on an extreme episode of aviation security, in which the pilot’s version describes a violent confrontation inside the cockpit itself.
At this stage, public details rely mainly on the captain’s account and on the official communication released about the phone call with the Indian prime minister.