Pilots Who Landed Attacked Flydubai Jet Receive UAE Honors

Two extra crew members who safely landed a damaged Flydubai Boeing 737 in Saudi Arabia after a mid-air attack have been named as Henson Steven from Fiji and Rowan Tooth from South Africa.

The Attack

The incident took place on September 30 during Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami from Oman, struck Indian captain Smit Machchhar on the head with an emergency axe. The captain lost blood and his vision blurred, but he managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew rushed in, and Israeli passengers overpowered the co-pilot, tying him up with headphone cables.

Safe Landing

The plane lost 16,000 feet in 30 seconds and suffered rudder damage. Steven and Tooth stepped into the cockpit, took control, and flew the jet to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia for a safe landing. A replacement aircraft later flew the passengers to Tel Aviv.

Awards and Recovery

On Tuesday, October 27, the UAE awarded the First Class Order of Zayed II to Steven, Tooth, and Captain Machchhar. Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented the medals. Captain Machchhar attended the ceremony in uniform with his left arm in a sling and visible scalp scars. During the event, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan asked about his recovery, and Machchhar replied that it would take about two more months.

Context

The Order of Zayed II is a high civilian honor in the UAE usually reserved for diplomats and senior officials. Aircraft extra crew members are trained professionals who step in to manage flight operations when needed. Safe landings under extreme distress require precise coordination between flight deck personnel and ground air traffic control.