Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot with Flydubai, has described a tense incident inside the cockpit while the aircraft was cruising at 34,000 feet with 174 people on board.
According to Machchhar, the Omani co-pilot stood up to pray during what initially appeared to be a routine flight. Out of respect, the captain said he kept his attention forward while the co-pilot was praying.
A few minutes later, Machchhar said he was hit hard on the back of the head and initially feared the aircraft had suffered a major impact. He alleged the blows continued, and he realised the attack was coming from the co-pilot, leaving his vision blurred as he tried to restrain him.
Machchhar said the aircraft began descending steeply as passengers screamed in panic. He claimed colleagues outside the cockpit attempted to enter using the access code, but the co-pilot prevented the door from being opened.
He said he managed to reach the handle and open the cockpit door with his remaining strength, after which others took control. Machchhar reportedly shared these details during a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
