Captain Smit Machchhar successfully managed a crisis on flydubai flight FZ1073 after a co-pilot attacked him.
On Wednesday, that composure was tested at altitude when flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv, came under attack inside the cockpit. The plane reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Machchhar, 39, is recovering in Abu Dhabi. His career later took him to flydubai, where he became a Boeing 737 captain and line trainer. Machchhar lived at Swastik Heights in Mumbai’s Tilak Nagar until around 2022. Machchhar moved to Dubai around 2022 after leaving SpiceJet. He and his wife, Sonal, have two children, Krishay, 2, and Ziva, 9.
“Smit is the most calm, composed and down-to-earth person you could ever meet,” said Capt Dharav Gosalia, a friend who has known Machchhar since their flying school days. Machchhar’s co-pilot stabbed him and attempted to crash the aircraft, according to Israeli officials. Those who knew him said his response in the crisis reflected the personality they had seen for years. “He is one of the calmest and most fun guys possible,” said a friend, a B737 pilot who requested anonymity. “Anyone with a problem in air navigation, aircraft technical or any subject went to him,” the pilot said. Friends said Machchhar treated loaders, engineers, ground staff and catering workers with the same respect he showed fellow pilots. At M D Bhatia School, where he completed Class 10 in 2003, school friend Bhavin Jethva remembered him as “straightforward, bindass”. He was never fake and he couldn’t pretend,” Jethva said. “We are proud of him,” Jethva said. Joshi recalled that he taught them how to tie the rope properly so that “one pull and the flag unfurled”.
Seriously injured, Machchhar managed to regain control of the aircraft and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. The flight eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. “Maybe it is his upbringing. He is always in fun mode, but he is family-oriented too. Machchhar earned his commercial pilot licence from Mainland Aviation College in New Zealand in the late 2000s. His classmates soon came to rely on him whenever they struggled with their studies. His willingness to help was not limited to colleagues. “He didn’t like to lie. Another childhood friend, Amit Soni, who played cricket with Machchhar, recalled him as cheerful and lively. Former classmates have since been posting prayers for his recovery on their WhatsApp group. Neighbour Laxmikanth Joshi recalled several small gestures that reflected his helpful nature. After returning from Kenya, Joshi realised he had bought too little coffee to share with friends. Machchhar arranged for a pilot colleague to bring more. Joshi also remembered Machchhar rushing to a hospital after returning to India when his father underwent bypass surgery about six months ago. He stayed with him through the treatment. During Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations in the society, Machchhar also helped residents with the flag-hoisting arrangements. His parents informed residents of their society through a WhatsApp group late Wednesday that he was recovering after the attack.
MUMBAI: Long before Captain Smit Machchhar became the pilot who fought through serious injuries to help save 174 people aboard a flydubai flight, friends and neighbours knew him as a calm, cheerful and down-to-earth man who was always willing to help. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
For those who knew him before the headlines, however, Machchhar remains the same person they remember — the calm pilot, the cheerful friend and the “bindass” Mumbai boy who was always ready to help. Download the TOI App.
As tributes poured in from across the world, US President Donald Trump called Machchhar a “hero”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his courage and presence of mind, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the captain’s actions helped prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster.