DUBAI — Two off-duty pilots safely landed a FlyDubai Boeing 737 after the captain was attacked by his co-pilot with an axe during a hijack attempt on Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September, officials and witnesses said.
The incident occurred approximately 30 minutes after takeoff when the co-pilot assaulted Captain Smit Machchhar in the cockpit, inflicting life-threatening injuries. The assailant then overpowered the captain and attempted to control the aircraft, which plummeted 16,000 feet in 30 seconds before two off-duty pilots on board intervened.
Henson Steven of Fiji and Rowan Tooth of South Africa entered the cockpit and took control of the plane, landing it safely in Saudi Arabia. Their actions were credited with preventing further loss of life. The co-pilot, identified by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as an Omani national, was overwhelmed by passengers.
Captain Machchhar, who sustained severe injuries to the back of his head, was presented with the First Class Order of Zayed II — one of the highest civilian awards in the UAE — while wearing a sling and with stitches visible. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed also awarded the same honour to Steven and Tooth, citing their courageous efforts to ensure the safety of passengers.
UAE public prosecutors said the attack was inspired by the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Captain Machchhar, speaking from his hospital bed in Abu Dhabi, said he believed it would be another two months before he fully recovers.
The Boeing 737 was carrying around 150 Israeli passengers. Netanyahu earlier said the co-pilot had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination, though he said a specific motive for the attack had not been established.
The award ceremony underscored the severity of the incident, with the captain telling the Emirati president: "I have an idea. When you heal, I want to have a session with you to train you how to fight." The president replied: "It’s my biggest honour."
