By jagtamaharashtra@gmail.com By Omkar Jadhav
Editor in Chief: Jagtamaharashtra News
September 30th 2026
Flydubai flight FZ1073(Boeing 737 MAX 8) departed from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying 174 passengers, a argument started between Captain Smit Machclar and the co-pilot, Initial investigations say co-pilot was suspected of trying to crash the aircraft. Co-pilot’s intentions became clear after two and half hour into the air, the copilot pitched the nose of aircraft down resulting in a massive decline in altitude of around 34,000ft to around 16,600 under few minutes ,
The aircraft transmitted the 7700 transponder code indicating a general emergency, followed quickly by the 7500 code, which signifies a hijacking or unlawful interference, media reports state the emergency was caused by a severe physical fight between the pilots. The co-pilot, reportedly an Omani national, allegedly attacked and repeatedly stabbed the captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar.
Soon after hearing noises from cockpit the disaster was averted when passengers, reportedly including an undercover security officer and a second team of off-duty pilots traveling in civilian clothes, They rushed the flight deck, and physically subdued the attacker. the off-duty pilots took control of the aircraft and landed it safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar saved the life of all passengers onboard and provided the necessary information to Air traffic control and opening the cockpit door. His swift actions in most critical moments will always be honored