The Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has met with flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar who suffered injuries in a serious cockpit incident on flight FZ1073.
The visit coincided with UAE officials announcing more details of the incident, which included that the co-pilot’s actions amounted to an attempted terrorist attack.
Captain Machchhar is being medically treated in Abu Dhabi and his recovery has been reported to be good.
Sheikh Hamdan Praises Pilot Smit Machchhar
Sheikh Hamdan commended Captain Machchhar for his courage, responsibility and efforts to save lives during the emergency time on his visit to the hospital.
Sheikh Hamdan also expressed appreciation of the leadership of the UAE for the pilot, calling Machchhar a beacon of values of courage and responsibility.
The visit came in the wake of broad appreciation of the pilot’s skill, who successfully diverted and landed in Saudi Arabia.
What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
The incident happened on September 30 on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The co-pilot used a crash axe to beat the captain on the head inside the cockpit and tried to wrest the control of the aircraft from him, according to the UAE authorities.
Machchhar sustained injuries in the incident but was able to open the cockpit door. However, crew members and passengers stepped in and averted disaster.
The plane was diverted to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia where it made a safe landing. There were no reports of casualties on the aircraft.
UAE Authorities Describe Incident as Attempted Terrorist Act
The UAE Attorney General stated that the investigation revealed that the co-pilot had tried to commit a terrorist act.
The investigation is looking into circumstances and motive of the incident and any possible connections, authorities said.
Physical and electronic evidence is being investigated and authorities are still working to determine the complete timeline.
The officials have asked people not to spread rumors and to trust only official statements in the wake of the investigation.
Smit Machchhar Recovering in Abu Dhabi
Captain Machchhar is in the care of doctors in Abu Dhabi after being injured in the incident in the cockpit.
The Indian Embassy in the UAE reported that the pilot was making good progress.
Machchhar has been commended by the UAE and Indian authorities for his efforts during the emergency and his role in averting a worse scenario.
The pilot also spoke with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from his hospital bed, per reports. The discussion arose as Machchhar started to recuperate from the incident.
Investigation Into the Incident Continues
UAE investigators are continuing to investigate the flight FZ1073 incident.
Physical and digital evidence is being analyzed and investigators are trying to determine what and why of the attack and are trying to find motive.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has also commended the response of the flight crew and passengers during the emergency, which was handled by Captain Machchhar.
More details will be released from official sources as the investigation continues, authorities have said.
Captain Machchhar is still in medical custody, and the investigation into the incident, which caused the flydubai flight to land in Saudi Arabia, is ongoing.
