Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by his co-pilot on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, has recounted his dramatic ordeal in a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Machchhar, who is being treated in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, spoke to Modi from his hospital bed, sharing his harrowing experience with the prime minister. The video call, which lasted nearly 10 minutes, was released on Modi's social media channels.
According to Machchhar, he was stabbed by his co-pilot in an alleged attempt to crash the plane, which had 174 people on board. The incident occurred on Wednesday, and the jet plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Machchhar, who has been flying for 17 years and has been a captain for 11 years, said he knew the aircraft was going down and that he had to act quickly to save the passengers.
Machchhar told Modi that he managed to open the cockpit door, despite being covered in blood and on the floor. This allowed passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot and let a second pair of flydubai pilots on board take control of the jet. The plane was eventually landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar's bravery has been hailed by the leaders of Israel and India, who have praised him for saving the lives of the passengers.
During the video call, Machchhar became emotional as he recounted his ordeal. He told Modi that he recited a Hindu prayer to the monkey god Hanuman during the incident, and that he believed God had saved him. Modi praised Machchhar's bravery, saying that his presence of mind had saved lives and the reputation of Indian pilots.
Machchhar, who is from Modi's home state of Gujarat, was seen with a tube in his nose and bandages on his head and hands during the video call. He wiped away tears as he narrated his ordeal to the prime minister. The incident has raised concerns about airline safety, and the investigation into the alleged attempt to crash the plane is ongoing.
The leaders of Israel and India have hailed Machchhar as a hero for his role in saving the passengers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesperson said that Machchhar's actions had prevented a tragedy. The incident has highlighted the risks faced by pilots and the importance of their training and preparedness in emergency situations.
Machchhar's story has sparked an outpouring of support and praise for his bravery. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of airline safety and the need for vigilance in preventing such incidents. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to crash the plane.
Key points
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recounted his ordeal in a video call with PM Modi.
- Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot in an alleged attempt to crash the flydubai plane.
- Machchhar's bravery has been hailed by the leaders of Israel and India.
