‘His Lips Turned Blue’: Dentist Recalls 45-Minute Effort To Save Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar

Dentist Dr Shota Musaev has recalled the tense 45 minutes he spent trying to keep Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar alive after the pilot was severely injured in a mid-air attack by his co-pilot.

Musaev, who was travelling on the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, rushed towards the cockpit after hearing screams. He found Machchhar seriously injured and bleeding on the floor and immediately began providing emergency assistance.

The dentist said he used T-shirts to apply pressure to the pilot’s wounds and later obtained ice packs from the cabin crew to help control the bleeding. He continued monitoring Machchhar throughout the flight until the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Dentist Used T-Shirts And Ice To Control Bleeding

According to Musaev, Machchhar had suffered deep cuts to his head and hand. The bleeding continued whenever the makeshift dressing was removed to check the wounds.

Musaev said he therefore maintained pressure on the injuries while using ice packs, continuing the treatment for roughly 45 minutes.

The dentist also focused on keeping Machchhar conscious. He spoke to the injured pilot and asked him about his family, including the names of his children, while repeatedly reassuring him that the aircraft would soon land and that he would return to his family.

Machchhar, who was in considerable pain, repeatedly asked for help and told Musaev that he did not want to die.

Pilot’s Pulse Fell, Lips Turned Blue

Machchhar’s condition later deteriorated during the flight. Musaev recalled that the pilot’s pulse became dangerously low.

The dentist said he raised Machchhar’s feet, after which his pulse improved. Shortly afterwards, however, he noticed that the pilot’s lips had turned blue.

Musaev then alerted a flight attendant that the aircraft needed to land quickly because he feared Machchhar did not have much time left.

The injured pilot was also seen in videos asking for painkillers. Musaev said he gave him small amounts of water but decided against administering medication because of the severity of the bleeding and the risk that moving him or giving him medicine could cause further bleeding.

Instead, he continued observing Machchhar’s speech, consciousness, pulse and lip colour as indicators of his condition.

Passengers Helped Restrain The Attacker

The emergency unfolded after co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to intervene. The attacker was eventually restrained, while other pilots and crew members worked to stabilise the aircraft.

Musaev said some passengers remained vigilant for the possibility of additional attackers while the plane continued towards Saudi Arabia.

The aircraft eventually landed safely in Tabuk, where Machchhar was handed over to medical teams for further treatment.

‘Smit Saved Our Lives,’ Says Musaev

After the emergency, Musaev said both he and his wife experienced post-traumatic stress following the incident.

Reflecting on the events, he credited Machchhar for helping protect everyone aboard the aircraft despite being seriously wounded.

“Smit saved our lives,” Musaev said, describing the Indian captain as a hero and expressing gratitude for his actions.

Machchhar has since received praise from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his actions during the crisis. The Indian Embassy in the UAE has also said that the pilot is continuing to recover and regain his health.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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