New Delhi: Four Israeli passengers stepped in to help regain control of a flydubai aircraft after an alleged cockpit attack left Indian Captain Smit Machchhar seriously injured during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on Wednesday. According to accounts given by passengers, the aircraft began losing control after the Omani first officer allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to take control of the plane.
Despite suffering multiple stab wounds, Machchhar is reported to have opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter. Four Israeli nationals — plumber Yaniv Hayun, insurance agency owner Assaf Rajuan, Bank Leumi underwriting company CEO Zvika Manes and dentist Dr Shota Musaev — then helped restrain the alleged attacker, assist the wounded captain and stabilise the situation.
The aircraft was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Yaniv Hayun helps pull aircraft out of dive
Yaniv Hayun, a plumber by profession, was among the first passengers to reach the cockpit after hearing screams.
Speaking to Ynet, Hayun said the cockpit door was accessible when they reached it. He believed Machchhar had managed to open it before collapsing.
Hayun said he found the alleged attacker between the cockpit seats and saw him attempting to damage the aircraft’s controls. He grabbed the man, pulled him away and helped restrain him with other passengers.
Hayun then returned to the cockpit while the aircraft was still in difficulty. He said he had watched the television programme Air Crash Investigation and used that knowledge to pull the controls, after which the aircraft began to level out.
Two pilots who were travelling as passengers subsequently entered the cockpit and took over the aircraft’s controls, helping bring the flight to a safe landing.
Hayun said he believed concern for his children contributed to his decision to act during the emergency.
Assaf Rajuan describes aircraft plunging
Assaf Rajuan, an insurance agency owner and tennis enthusiast, was also among the passengers who rushed towards the cockpit.
Rajuan said passengers first became aware that something was seriously wrong after hearing screams near the restroom. He described the aircraft as plunging at a steep angle before the situation was brought under control.
According to his account, the cockpit door was open and passengers saw blood inside. Rajuan joined Zvika Manes and other passengers in overpowering the alleged attacker.
The group, assisted by members of the crew, kept the man restrained for about 50 minutes until the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.
Rajuan said the experience was difficult to process and credited the passengers and crew members who intervened with helping protect those aboard the aircraft.
Zvika Manes helps restrain the attacker
Zvika Manes, CEO of Bank Leumi’s underwriting company, was another passenger who responded to the commotion.
Manes said the aircraft descended rapidly, causing passengers to be thrown around the cabin while screams could be heard.
He helped overpower and restrain the suspected attacker. Passengers reportedly used cables from multimedia headphones available on the aircraft to secure the man’s hands and legs after he continued resisting.
Manes also said medical personnel aboard the flight attended to Machchhar after the attacker had been restrained.
He credited the wounded captain with potentially making a crucial contribution by ensuring that the cockpit could be accessed by those outside.
Dr Shota Musaev treats wounded captain
Dentist Shota Musaev initially rushed towards the cockpit after hearing the screams. After helping restrain the alleged attacker, he turned his attention to Machchhar.
Musaev said the captain had suffered heavy bleeding from injuries to his head and hands. He provided first aid and worked to control the bleeding until the aircraft reached Saudi Arabia.
According to Musaev, Machchhar remained conscious enough to communicate while receiving treatment on the floor of the aircraft.
Musaev said his initial intention was to help confront the attacker rather than provide medical assistance, but he treated the captain after the suspect had been restrained.
Saudi medical teams later took over the captain’s treatment after the aircraft landed in Tabuk. Reports said Machchhar underwent surgery and was in stable condition.
Israeli President honours four passengers
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced the President’s Medal for Civilian Bravery for Hayun, Manes, Rajuan and Musaev in recognition of their actions during the emergency.
Herzog also acknowledged other people who assisted during the incident, including Tali Mans, alternate pilots who were travelling as passengers and helped fly the aircraft after entering the cockpit, as well as Captain Machchhar.
The Israeli President expressed gratitude to Machchhar for what he described as his bravery, determination and actions that helped save lives.
He also wished the Indian captain a full recovery and extended Israel’s gratitude to him.
A collective effort to bring flight to safety
The accounts from the passengers indicate that each of the four men played a different role during the emergency.
Hayun helped remove the alleged attacker and briefly operated the aircraft controls. Manes and Rajuan assisted in overpowering and restraining the suspect, while Musaev provided medical assistance to the injured captain.
The passengers were also assisted by crew members and two pilots who were travelling on the aircraft.
At the centre of the response was Captain Machchhar, who, despite being seriously injured, is reported to have opened the cockpit door, enabling people outside to enter and intervene.
The aircraft ultimately landed safely in Tabuk, bringing the emergency to an end. Investigations into the incident and the circumstances surrounding the alleged cockpit attack are continuing.