The Boeing 737‑MAX 8 plummeted 800 feet in half a minute before Captain Smit Machchhar managed to pry open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene in a chaotic scramble that lasted nearly an hour.
Dr. Shota Musaev, an Israel‑based dentist who was seated beside the captain, heard screams and vaulted into the cockpit. He found Machchhar with deep lacerations on his head and left hand, bleeding profusely. Using t‑shirts and ice packs, Musaev applied pressure for 45 minutes, keeping the captain conscious and upright throughout the ordeal.
The co‑pilot, a crew member whose identity remains under investigation, allegedly brandished a crash axe and struck Machchhar, attempting to seize control of the aircraft. The UAE Attorney General, Hamad Al Shamsi, has already labelled the incident an “attempted terrorist attack.”
Passengers quickly seized the attacker, tying him with headphone cables and restraining his limbs. A standby pilot and a passenger stepped into the cockpit, stabilizing the aircraft while others kept watch for additional threats. The collective effort prevented a catastrophic crash and bought precious minutes for medical intervention.
The plane diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Machchhar received emergency surgery. After stabilization, he was transferred to the UAE for continued care and is reportedly recovering well. The incident has sparked a full investigation by aviation authorities and heightened security protocols across airlines.
Investigators are now examining cockpit access controls, crew training procedures, and the motive behind the co‑pilot’s assault. A court hearing is scheduled for next month to determine the legal consequences for the attacker, while the airline reviews its safety and security measures in the wake of the attack.