Dentist Describes Heroic Actions Aboard FlyDubai Flight After Co-Pilot Attack
Dr. Shota Musaev recounts how he and other passengers subdued the attacker and treated the wounded captain after the plane was diverted to Saudi Arabia.
An Israeli dentist described his rapid transition from passenger to first responder aboard FlyDubai Flight 1073 after a co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane. Dr. Shota Musaev recounted the harrowing experience to ABC News, detailing how he and other passengers subdued the assailant and provided aid to the injured captain.
The incident occurred during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an unidentified co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a knife and initiated a nose dive. Musaev stated that upon hearing the commotion, he and other passengers rushed to the cockpit. "I think, how [can] I help this situation for all [the passengers for all plane. How I can help," he told ABC News. "And I see one pilot on the floor, with … blood."
Another passenger, Yaniv Hayun, reportedly disarmed the suspect and gained control of the aircraft, leveling it before a third pilot took over to divert the plane to Saudi Arabia. Once the plane was stabilized, Musaev and another passenger used headphones to tie up the suspect, who allegedly offered no resistance and repeatedly said, "Kill me, kill me, please."
Musaev then turned his attention to Captain Machchhar, who had sustained injuries to his head, neck, and hands. The dentist applied pressure to the wounds to stem the bleeding, telling the pilot, "Everything will be good." The captain, initially conscious, pleaded for help, saying, "Help me, please. Help me, please. I don't want to die here."
The flight landed in Saudi Arabia, where passengers received medical attention. The entire ordeal lasted approximately 40 minutes. Musaev expressed the gravity of the situation, telling ABC News, “Do you understand we were five to ten seconds from dying?”
Captain Machchhar received initial treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia and has since been transferred to a hospital in the United Arab Emirates. Officials reported that the co-pilot is in custody in Abu Dhabi. Musaev expressed hope for a future meeting with the captain to convey his gratitude for saving the lives of those on board.