Indian Pilot Details Cockpit Attack Thwarted by Israeli Passengers
An Indian pilot recounted to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu how he thwarted an attempted hijacking by an Omani co-pilot with the help of Israeli passengers.
An Indian pilot has recounted the dramatic moments of an attempted cockpit hijacking by an Omani co-pilot, thwarted by his quick thinking and Israeli passengers. Speaking with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu via video link, Captain Smith Matchatchar detailed how co-pilot Mamam al-Hamami prayed before launching a sudden attack inside the cockpit.
The Attack and Cockpit Struggle
"It was a routine flight," the Indian captain told Netanyahu. "The co-pilot wanted to pray. That is not unusual; many locals pray. While he was praying, I looked forward and not backward out of respect—and then after four or five minutes, I received a heavy blow to the back of my head."
Matchatchar added that his vision quickly blurred from the blows as the aircraft began to dive sharply. Despite being severely injured, he managed to reach the cockpit door handle and open it from the inside, allowing Israeli passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker.
Netanyahu's Tribute
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the pilot's extraordinary bravery during the conversation, stating his desire to honor both Captain Matchatchar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Israel's Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony.
"This is the highest honor we bestow on our Independence Day," Netanyahu told Matchatchar. "Usually it is reserved for Israeli citizens, but I think in this case all Israeli citizens will embrace you."
