Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, showed incredible bravery and quick thinking when faced with a life-threatening situation on a Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30. The copilot attacked Captain Machchhar with a knife mid-flight, causing the aircraft to sharply descend nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Despite sustaining multiple wounds and being in critical condition, Machchhar managed to summon all his strength and open the cockpit door, preventing a catastrophic crash.
In a hospital in Abu Dhabi on Friday, still undergoing treatment, Machchhar recounted the harrowing experience to Indian Prime Minister Modi via video call. Modi praised his heroic actions for saving the lives of all onboard and expressed pride in the pilot’s courage. Machchhar described how, despite his injuries and loss of blood, his years of flying experience allowed him to remain alert to the crisis unfolding around him.
“I have been flying for 17 years, even with my eyes closed, I knew exactly what was happening to the plane,” Machchhar explained. “While lying on the floor, I could feel the aircraft plunging vertically.”
In the face of imminent danger, Machchhar’s only thought was to ensure the safety of the passengers. “I told myself that this was for self-preservation, but deep down, I knew I couldn’t let everyone die like that,” he remembered. “I told myself, ‘Smit, this is the final blow, keep going. The door is right there, open it.'”
Despite the attacker relentlessly striking him, Machchhar summoned the last of his strength and successfully unlocked the cockpit door, allowing the crew and passengers to overpower the copilot. Another set of Flydubai pilots took control of the aircraft, safely landing it in Tabuk, northwest Saudi Arabia, and resolving the mid-air crisis.
During the nearly 10-minute video call, Machchhar welled up with tears. He revealed that in the most desperate moments, he had been praying for courage and calmness to face the situation. “I knew God saved me,” he said.
Hailing from Gujarat, Modi’s home state, Machchhar received high praise for his courageous actions, not only averting disaster but also upholding the reputation of Indian pilots. Modi commended Machchhar for his quick thinking and fearlessness in the critical moment, ensuring the safety of all passengers.
“You made crucial decisions in split seconds. Today, the whole nation can proudly say that we Indians saved the lives of everyone on board,” Modi promised during the call. “Smit, whenever you need, feel free to call me.”
Machchhar expressed confidence in his recovery, stating, “Though it will take time, I am very, very confident that I will recover and regain complete health.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed that the attacker, a man from Oman, has been arrested by Saudi authorities and is undergoing interrogation. The Gujarat state government of India announced awarding Machchhar with the “Visisht Gujarat Garima Award” for his exceptional bravery. Temples across India have been offering prayers for the hero pilot who performed a miracle at high altitude, wishing him a speedy recovery.
(Adapted from reports by Reuters and AP)