The identities of two reserve pilots who helped save flydubai flight FZ1073 during a terrifying mid-air cockpit attack on September 30 have emerged. Fijian Captain Henson Steven and South African First Officer Rowan Tooth took control of the damaged Boeing 737 MAX and helped bring it safely to the ground.
Both pilots were travelling as deadheading crew members when the incident unfolded. Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was reportedly attacked inside the cockpit, suffering serious head injuries but managing to unlock the flight deck door and allow others to intervene.
During the confrontation, the aircraft reportedly lost approximately 17,000 feet in altitude and sustained significant damage to its vertical tail rudder. Steven and Tooth took control, stabilised the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The emergency landing was successful, and all 182 people on board survived. On October 27, the pilots and other crew members were honoured with the First Class Order of Zayed II by the UAE in recognition of their courage and professionalism.
The incident also highlighted the importance of verifying information during breaking news events, as early reports about the nationalities of those involved were later contradicted by subsequent identifications.
The recognition of all three pilots underscores how teamwork, decisive action and professional skill can make a critical difference in an aviation emergency.
