Captain Smit Machchhar Tells PM Modi What Gave Him Courage During Flydubai Attack
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during an attack on a flydubai flight, told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his determination to protect the passengers helped him push through the crisis. During a video call from his hospital in Abu Dhabi, Machchhar also revealed that he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the terrifying incident.
Pilot Recalls Fight To Regain Control During Mid-Air Attack
Machchhar was the captain of a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when he was attacked by his co-pilot on Wednesday. The incident left him with serious injuries as the Boeing 737 entered a steep descent.
Despite being badly hurt, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew members to enter and intervene, while reserve pilots helped take control of the aircraft. The flight was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.
Speaking to PM Modi, Machchhar described the moment as a fight for his own life as well as the safety of everyone aboard the aircraft.
“I was fighting for my life. I realised at that time that if I won’t show courage, then 170 passengers will lose their lives,” he said during the conversation, according to NDTV.
The incident occurred while the aircraft was flying at a high altitude. According to NDTV, the aircraft was cruising at about 34,000 feet before beginning a rapid descent, reaching around 15,600 feet.
Hanuman Chalisa Gave Captain Machchhar Courage
During his conversation with the prime minister, Machchhar explained that he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the crisis. He said his faith gave him the courage to continue despite his injuries.
“Lord Hanuman gave me courage,” Machchhar told Modi, according to the account of their conversation.
Other reports from the conversation said Machchhar became emotional while recounting the incident. He also apologised to Modi for breaking down during the call and said he had never imagined that he would get an opportunity to speak directly with the prime minister.
PM Modi had earlier praised Machchhar publicly for his actions during the incident. He also spoke with the pilot’s wife and parents and assured them of support from Indian missions while Machchhar continues his recovery in the UAE.
Experienced Pilot Recovering In Abu Dhabi
Machchhar has extensive experience in commercial aviation. According to NDTV, he has more than 13 years of commercial flying experience and around 9,750 flying hours, primarily on Boeing 737 aircraft. Before joining flydubai, he spent 11 years with SpiceJet, where he worked as a Line Training Captain.
The incident remains under investigation, while flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel following the mid-air attack. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the actions of the co-pilot.
Captain Smit Machchhar continues to recover in Abu Dhabi. His account of the incident has highlighted the sequence of events inside the aircraft and the role played by the cockpit crew, passengers and reserve pilots in bringing the flight to safety.
