Six-Year-Old Nina Manes Helps Passengers Thwart Cockpit Attack on Flydubai Flight
A six-year-old girl and her mother alerted passengers to a violent struggle in the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073, enabling them to subdue an attacking co-pilot and land safely.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, experienced a mid-air crisis when an Omani co-pilot stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar in an apparent attempt to crash the Boeing 737 MAX 8. Six-year-old Nina Manes and her mother Tali heard the commotion while waiting outside the forward restroom and reported blood and fighting inside the cockpit. Their father, Tzvika Manes, the CEO of Bank Leumi's underwriting division, together with two other travelers, entered the cockpit, restrained the attacker, and assisted the severely injured captain in unlocking the door.
Passengers then helped steady the aircraft after it plunged thousands of feet. An off-duty pilot on board took control and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly commended the bravery of the captain and the passengers for preventing a mass-casualty event.
Why it matters
The incident shows how quick civilian action can prevent a potential aviation disaster and save lives.
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