DIVYA DELHI : Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot flying flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was reportedly attacked inside the cockpit during the flight, triggering a major mid-air emergency. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Machchhar was attacked with an axe by the co-pilot, while other reports initially described the weapon as a knife. The exact sequence remains under investigation. The Boeing 737 MAX 8, carrying 174 passengers, reportedly went into a sharp descent during the confrontation, losing more than 14,000 feet in a short period. An emergency alert was transmitted before the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the alleged attacker. The captain was subsequently taken to hospital in Tabuk and was reported to be in stable condition after treatment. The reported presence of an axe has also raised questions about aircraft safety equipment. Aviation reports note that commercial aircraft can carry a crash axe as emergency equipment, but authorities are investigating how it was allegedly used during the incident.
