Co-Pilot Allegedly Stabs Flydubai Captain, Plane Lands Safely

On September 30, Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar. The Boeing 737 MAX plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Covered in blood, Machchhar opened the cockpit door; passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot, and flydubai pilots aboard landed the plane. All 174 passengers were reported safe. Machchhar underwent surgery and was reported stable. Netanyahu said he "saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals" and that all passengers were out of harm's way. Modi called him a hero who showed "immense courage" despite serious injury. Passenger Yaniv Ohayon said he pulled the control yoke as the plane lost altitude and "the plane gradually began to level out, and then the pilot said that he was taking control." Trump also praised Machchhar. Israeli users including Einav Avizemer and Talia Yoseph urged others to know his name. Israeli officials described an attempted attack meant to crash the aircraft. Flydubai said reasons remained unknown and cautioned against premature speculation. The suspect is to be interrogated by Saudi authorities. Motive remains under investigation.