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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Shweta Sharma

Flydubai captain describes moment he was attacked by co-pilot during attempted hijacking

  • Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar has cast doubt on claims that an Israeli plumber helped land his aircraft following an attempted hijacking on 30 September.
  • The flight from the UAE to Israel plunged 14,000 feet after co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Captain Machchhar with an axe in an alleged suicide terror attempt.
  • Despite suffering serious injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door so passengers could enter and restrain the attacker.
  • Passenger Yaniv Hayoun previously claimed he subdued the attacker and helped fly the plane using knowledge from the television show Air Crash Investigation.
  • Speaking from a hospital in Abu Dhabi , captain Machchhar stated his sole focus was on staying alive and keeping control of the Boeing 737 .

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