'He kept hitting': Indian pilot Machchhar reveals what happened on the flydubai flight
Pilot Smit Machchhar says his co‑pilot assaulted him during a routine Flydubai flight, an event he first thought was a harmless interaction. The struggle left Machchhar unconscious, but other crew members stepped in and restored control of the aircraft.
During a scheduled Flydubai service, pilot Smit Machchhar reported that his co‑pilot suddenly became aggressive, striking him as the aircraft was cruising at altitude. Machchhar initially believed the contact to be a joke or a miscommunication, but the situation quickly escalated when he tried to defend himself. In the ensuing scuffle he lost consciousness, leaving the cockpit without a fully alert pilot for a brief period. The incident created an immediate safety risk as the aircraft continued on its flight path.
Other members of the flight crew, including the cabin crew and a senior flight officer, recognized the abnormal situation and moved to the cockpit to assist. They were able to regain control of the plane, stabilize its altitude, and follow standard emergency procedures while medical assistance was prepared for the unconscious pilot. An internal investigation was launched by Flydubai and aviation authorities to determine the cause of the altercation, assess crew fitness, and verify compliance with safety protocols. The airline has pledged full cooperation with regulators and has placed the involved crew on temporary leave pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The episode raises concerns for Indian aviation stakeholders about crew selection, mental health screening, and conflict resolution training. Pilots and cabin crew across the country are reminded to adhere to strict professional conduct standards, and airlines may review their internal reporting mechanisms to catch early signs of interpersonal tension. Passengers and industry observers will be watching for any policy changes or additional safety measures that emerge from the investigation.
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