New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Smit Machchhar on Friday and praised the Indian pilot for his courage and presence of mind after a terrifying incident aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Captain Machchhar was seriously injured on Wednesday after his co pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed him inside the cockpit. The Boeing 737 Max carrying more than 170 passengers and crew then plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Passengers and crew members rushed into the cockpit after hearing the commotion and managed to overpower the attacker. Another pair of flydubai pilots who were travelling on the flight subsequently took control and landed the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk.
Speaking to Modi from his hospital bed, Machchhar recalled the moments when he was struggling with multiple injuries inside the cockpit. He said he had collapsed after suffering several wounds but realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude.
With 17 years of flying experience and 11 years as a captain, Machchhar said he could recognise what was happening with the aircraft even while severely injured.
He eventually managed to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and help him.
“I could not let all those people die,” Machchhar said, while also stressing that everyone aboard the aircraft played an important role in preventing a disaster.
During the conversation, Machchhar revealed that he repeatedly recited the Hanuman Chalisa while dealing with fear and pain. He said the prayer has been part of his routine and that he also recites it to his two year old son.
Machchhar, who has more than 9,750 flying hours and recently moved to Dubai from Mumbai, said the experience reinforced his connection with his culture.
Modi praised the pilot’s actions and said his courage and quick thinking had helped save many lives.
