In a video call that aired on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social‑media channels, Indian airline captain Smit Machchhar described the harrowing moments of a flydubai flight that was attacked by its co‑pilot on Wednesday.
Machchhar, who was treated in an Abu Dhabi hospital, appeared with a tube in his nose and bandages on his head and hands. He said he felt the aircraft plunge and, recalling his 17 years of flying experience, he “knew that the aircraft was going down.” He recalled hearing the cockpit door nearby and, despite his injuries, managed to open it, allowing other crew members to enter the cockpit.
“I told myself that the door is right there, just open it. I managed to do it and people entered,” he said, wiping away tears as he recounted the ordeal.
The attack forced the plane, carrying 174 people, to descend nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. After Machchhar opened the door, passengers and crew overpowered the co‑pilot, and a second pair of flydubai pilots took control, eventually landing the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister’s response
Modi praised Machchhar’s bravery, saying his quick thinking saved lives and upheld the reputation of Indian pilots. “I know God saved me,” Machchhar said, adding that he recited a Hindu prayer to the monkey god Hanuman during the crisis.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by aviation crews and the importance of training and composure under extreme pressure.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
