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FlyDubai Passenger Details Saving Pilot After Midair Attack

Isaac Olson
Isaac Olson
October 1, 2026 11:39 pm
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An Israeli dentist aboard a harrowing FlyDubai flight has recounted how he helped save the life of the jet’s captain after a violent attack in the cockpit. Dr. Shota Musaev, sitting in row 13 on FlyDubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, rushed forward after an unprovoked assault during the journey. According to Israeli officials, an unidentified co-pilot allegedly attacked Capt. Smit Machchhar with a knife and forced the aircraft into a dangerous nose dive in an attempt to crash it. Another passenger, Yaniv Hayun, managed to drag the suspect from the cockpit, leveled the aircraft, and allowed a third pilot to take control and divert the flight to Saudi Arabia. Once the aircraft was stabilized, Musaev and another passenger restrained the assailant using headphones. The suspect offered little resistance, stating he was from Oman and pleading for someone to kill him. With the threat neutralized, Musaev immediately rushed to assist Capt. Machchhar, who was suffering from severe head, neck, and hand wounds. The dentist applied critical pressure to stop the heavy bleeding while offering comforting words to the terrified pilot. The chaotic ordeal lasted approximately 40 minutes before the plane safely landed in Saudi Arabia for medical attention. Reflecting on the terrifying incident, Musaev admitted they had been mere seconds away from a catastrophe. Captain Machchhar received initial treatment at a local Saudi hospital before being transferred to a medical facility in the United Arab Emirates, according to the Indian consulate in Dubai. The Indian ambassador reported that the captain has been speaking openly and smiling, offering immense relief to his family and passengers. The suspect remains in custody in Abu Dhabi. Musaev expressed a strong desire to reunite with the captain in the future to celebrate their survival and express mutual gratitude for the collective heroism aboard the flight.

Source: abcnews.com

Isaac Olson

Written by

Isaac Olson

Journalist

Isaac Olson is a journalist with TFR . He worked largely as a newspaper reporter and photographer for 15 years before joining TFR in the spring of 2018.

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