FlyDubai captain Smit Machchhar has recounted the harrowing moments when he was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, telling Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he knew he had to act to save the passengers aboard the aircraft. Machchhar spoke with Modi in Hindi during a video call released Friday by the prime minister’s office. Machchhar, who suffered serious injuries in the attack, stated that he realized he was fighting not only for his own survival but also for the lives of everyone on board. The flight plunged thousands of feet during the incident before Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The plane subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing. Describing the assault, Machchhar noted that his 17 years of flying experience and 11 years as a captain helped him understand the situation even while injured. When I was lying on the floor, I could feel that the aircraft was plunging and I said to myself while I was getting beaten, This is the last push, Smit, do it, the door is right there, Machchhar told Modi. Somehow, I opened the door, and everyone came in and everyone else had an equal role in the rescue, he added. During the call, Modi asked Machchhar about his well-being, to which the pilot replied that he was fine. Modi praised Machchhar for his courage, patience, and presence of mind, highlighting his split-second decision-making. You took a decision in a fraction of second and saved the lives of so many people, Modi said, adding that the entire country was praying for his recovery and eager to welcome him back. Machchhar is currently recovering after receiving initial treatment in Tabuk and being transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care.
Source: abcnews.com
