Indian pilot Smit Machchhar has recounted the terrifying moments when he was repeatedly attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit of a Flydubai aircraft, saying he struggled to seek help even as his vision blurred and he repeatedly lost consciousness.
In his first interview with Sky News Arabia after the September 30 incident, Machchhar said the flight had been proceeding normally when he suddenly felt a powerful blow to the back of his head while carrying out routine checks.
Initially, he believed that something had gone wrong with the aircraft and that a part of it might have struck him. However, when the blows continued, he realised that he was being attacked by his fellow pilot.
Machchhar said his vision was severely affected within seconds, making it difficult for him to understand the situation clearly. He tried to defend himself against further attacks and suffered an injury to his hand in the process.
Despite his condition, the injured captain attempted to alert another pilot who was travelling on the aircraft and sought assistance by trying to open the cockpit door.
He briefly lost consciousness during the struggle but later recalled managing to open the door. However, it was shut again after the co-pilot allegedly threatened to attack others who tried to intervene.
Machchhar said he was losing strength due to blood loss when he heard a change in the engine's sound and realised that the aircraft was diving.
Drawing on his years of flying experience, he understood that the aircraft was in serious trouble even without being able to clearly see the instruments.
He recalled repeatedly slipping in and out of consciousness but forcing himself to keep fighting for survival. He eventually found himself lying between the cockpit and the aircraft's galley, with people shouting amid the chaos.
Another captain on board took control of the aircraft and helped prevent a possible disaster, Machchhar said, expressing gratitude for his colleague's actions and the efforts of others who responded to the emergency.
The aircraft, operating flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing.
Machchhar said the experience continued to affect him in the days following the attack, with memories of the first blow repeatedly returning and leaving him shaken.
He said the determination of everyone on board to survive was what stood out most from the ordeal.
Asked what came to his mind during the crisis, Machchhar said he thought of his son. His wife and two children live with him in the United Arab Emirates.
The pilot also expressed gratitude for the medical treatment he received in Saudi Arabia and after being brought back to the UAE, saying the care and support extended to him would remain unforgettable.
The incident is being investigated by Indian authorities, with the National Investigation Agency registering a case following the alleged attack on the Indian captain inside the cockpit.
Machchhar is recovering from his injuries, according to the report.