Capt. Gosalia Credits Capt. Machchhar’s Expert Training and Quick Thinking With Saving 174 Passengers.
Capt. Smit Machchhar’s extensive flying experience, sharp instincts and ability to anticipate potential emergencies played a crucial role in preventing what could have become an unimaginable aviation tragedy, according to a former colleague.
The flydubai pilot has been praised for his bravery after reportedly helping protect the lives of 174 passengers by managing to open the cockpit door despite sustaining life-threatening injuries during an alleged attack by his co-pilot.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 30, several hours into flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to accounts of the incident, the co-pilot allegedly assaulted Capt. Machchhar inside the cockpit using a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft while it was in flight.
Despite being seriously wounded, Capt. Machchhar reportedly succeeded in opening the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty crew members to intervene.
They subsequently overpowered the alleged attacker, preventing the situation from escalating further and helping safeguard those on board.
Capt. Smit Machchhar spent 11 years as a commander with SpiceJet before relocating to Dubai four years ago to continue his aviation career with flydubai. His longtime friend and former colleague, Capt. Dharav Gosalia, subsequently joined Air India.
Reflecting on the incident, Capt. Gosalia described his friend’s survival as remarkable, attributing his response to the experience, instinct and quick decision-making abilities developed over 15 years of flying.
He explained that commercial pilots are trained to prioritise the safety of everyone on board, regardless of the challenges they encounter during a flight.
According to Capt. Gosalia, Capt. Machchhar’s primary concern during the emergency would have been ensuring that the aircraft landed safely with all passengers and crew members.
He emphasised that this responsibility is fundamental to a captain’s training and remains the overriding priority in any critical situation.
However, Capt. Gosalia acknowledged that even extensive aviation training cannot fully prepare pilots for every possible threat, particularly an unexpected attack by a trusted colleague inside the cockpit.
While commercial pilots undergo training for hijackings, crew incapacitation, security incidents and other abnormal flight situations, he said an assault by the first officer seated beside the captain represents an exceptionally difficult scenario to anticipate.
He explained that pilots depend on their co-pilots as trusted partners, making such an attack almost impossible to foresee through conventional emergency preparation.
The Importance of Rehearsing Emergency Procedures
Capt. Gosalia highlighted that mental preparation, emergency simulations and a disciplined approach to flying are essential elements of professional pilot training.
He explained that experienced pilots frequently practise emergency responses through visualisation exercises, commonly known in aviation as “chair flying.”
This technique involves mentally rehearsing the sequence of actions required during different flight emergencies, helping pilots develop familiarity with critical procedures before encountering them in real situations.
For example, pilots may mentally practise responding to engine failures, cabin depressurisation or other unexpected technical problems.
Such exercises strengthen muscle memory and procedural awareness, allowing pilots to react more efficiently when faced with high-pressure circumstances.
Capt. Gosalia noted that repeated practice can help pilots perform essential cockpit actions almost instinctively, including selecting the appropriate emergency transponder code.
He stressed that strong motor skills, familiarity with emergency procedures and consistent mental rehearsal can make a significant difference when immediate action is required.
Prosecutors Describe Alleged Attack as Attempted Terrorist Act
The incident aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 reportedly involved circumstances far beyond the emergency situations typically covered in commercial aviation training.
Early reports described the incident as a confrontation inside the aircraft’s cockpit.
However, prosecutors subsequently stated that the co-pilot had allegedly attempted to commit a terrorist act by attacking Capt. Machchhar with a crash axe and trying to take control of the aircraft.
The allegations indicate that the captain faced not only a serious physical assault but also an attempted interference with the aircraft’s flight controls, creating a potentially dangerous situation for everyone on board.
UAE judicial authorities retain legal jurisdiction over the incident because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under the country’s flag.
Under the applicable legal framework, UAE laws extend to criminal offences committed aboard UAE-registered aircraft, even when such incidents occur outside the nation’s territorial boundaries.
A Captain Who Treated Every Crew Member Equally
According to Capt. Dharav Gosalia, one of Capt. Smit Machchhar’s most admirable leadership qualities was his ability to bring everyone working on an aircraft together as a unified team.
He recalled that Capt. Machchhar treated all aviation personnel with equal respect, regardless of their responsibilities or positions.
Whether interacting with cabin crew members, baggage loaders or aircraft engineers, the flydubai captain maintained a friendly and inclusive approach that made colleagues feel valued.
Capt. Gosalia described his longtime friend as humble, approachable, cheerful and supportive, adding that his positive attitude made him someone other aviation professionals genuinely enjoyed working alongside.
He explained that Capt. Machchhar believed in collective responsibility and ensured that every member of the crew felt included in the team’s operations.
Their friendship also extended well beyond their professional responsibilities.
During their years working together at SpiceJet, the two pilots frequently spent their free time playing cricket in Mumbai and arranging recreational activities whenever their schedules allowed.
They also coordinated their flight rosters to identify opportunities to meet during international layovers.
Capt. Gosalia recalled that they often flew together and maintained their friendship through shared sporting activities and regular meetings outside work.
Family Requests Privacy as Captain Recovers
Following the traumatic incident, Capt. Gosalia urged the public to respect Capt. Machchhar’s privacy and allow him and his family sufficient time to recover.
He emphasised that while the incident may be viewed as a news story by the wider public, it represents a deeply personal and distressing experience for the captain and his loved ones.
According to Capt. Gosalia, the circumstances inside the cockpit were extremely frightening, particularly as the aircraft reportedly entered a steep descent while Capt. Machchhar was seriously injured.
Despite his wounds, the captain managed to reach and open the cockpit door, an action his friend described as an extraordinary demonstration of determination and courage.
Capt. Gosalia expressed admiration for how his friend responded under such extreme conditions, saying that fellow pilots and colleagues were proud of his actions.
He also voiced confidence in Capt. Machchhar’s resilience while stressing that the captain and his family deserved space to heal from the ordeal.
Dubai Crown Prince Praises Pilot’s Bravery
Capt. Smit Machchhar is currently recovering in Abu Dhabi following the incident.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, previously visited the injured captain in hospital.
During the visit, Sheikh Hamdan commended Capt. Machchhar for his exceptional bravery, sense of responsibility and commitment to protecting human life.
The Dubai Crown Prince’s recognition highlighted the captain’s actions during the emergency and his efforts to safeguard those travelling aboard the aircraft.
UAE authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident involving the flydubai aircraft.
Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE Federal Prosecutor, announced that findings from the investigation indicated that the co-pilot had allegedly attempted to commit a terrorist act during the flight.
