Brave Indian Pilot Stabbed While Preventing Mid-Air Disaster
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, is currently in stable condition following a stabbing incident aimed at causing a crisis on a Flydubai flight. This unsettling event occurred while he was thwarting an attack by his co-pilot, who allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft mid-flight. Officials confirmed that Captain Machchhar is receiving medical care in a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh shared on social media that the pilot is being provided with the necessary treatment and is reported to be stable. They are in contact with his family, who are reportedly on their way to see him. The embassy expressed hope for a swift recovery for Captain Machchhar and assured his family that they would continue to monitor his health closely.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Captain Machchhar’s wife and parents on Thursday, praising his bravery. He stated, “Captain Smit displayed incredible courage and quick thinking. We are proud of him. I have spoken with his family, and I urge everyone to pray for his speedy recovery.”
At 39 years old, Captain Machchhar has garnered admiration not just in India but also in Israel, where the majority of the flight’s passengers were from. As news spread, Indian media gathered outside his relatives’ homes in Savarkundla, Gujarat. His family expressed relief upon hearing of his stable condition.
Hiren Jogi, Captain Machchhar’s brother-in-law, commended him for his bravery in saving the lives of 174 passengers. He shared that the family has been getting updates about the situation and is hopeful.
Former neighbors and friends described Captain Machchhar as a kind-hearted, talented individual. Jinat Shah, a former neighbor, stated, “He is an incredible person, and I hope he recovers quickly.”
Captain Machchhar trained as a pilot in Dunedin, New Zealand. His former flight instructor, Philip Kean, remembered him as a cheerful young man who worked hard. Kean described him as always having a smile on his face, which distinguished him from others.
Expressions of admiration for the pilot have come from various political leaders in India. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh praised him for putting his life on the line to protect others. Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, referred to him as “truly a hero.” Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge saluted Captain Machchhar and the crew for their extraordinary courage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also recognized Captain Machchhar’s bravery, commending him for resisting the attack and helping to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
The incident on Flydubai flight FZ1073 occurred while traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, reportedly attacked Captain Machchhar, which caused the plane to drop nearly 14,000 feet in just 30 seconds. Despite being injured, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to subdue the assailant. A pair of off-duty pilots on the flight then safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, ensuring all passengers reached Israel safely. Saudi authorities are currently investigating the incident.
