CITIZENS COMPASS— Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot who was stabbed during a terrifying mid-air struggle aboard a Flydubai passenger jet, has spoken publicly for the first time about the desperate moments inside the cockpit.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Machchhar revealed how he continued fighting despite being injured as the aircraft plunged during an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to take control of the flight.
The captain said he was lying wounded on the cockpit floor but realised he needed to make one final effort to open the cockpit door and allow others into the cabin.
“I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside,” Machchhar said.
“Others came in and also played a role.”
He said his immediate concern went beyond saving himself as he feared for the lives of everyone aboard the aircraft.
I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die,” he said.
Machchhar suffered stab wounds during the confrontation with his unidentified co-pilot, who Israeli officials allege deliberately steered the Flydubai jet into a dramatic nosedive.
The aircraft was reported to have been travelling at high speed when the crisis erupted inside the cockpit.
Despite being wounded, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other people aboard the aircraft to intervene and help bring the situation under control.
The suspected attacker was subsequently restrained and has been questioned by anti-terror investigators.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the co-pilot’s motive.
Israeli officials have raised concerns that the attack may have been an attempt to deliberately crash the aircraft, although investigators have yet to announce a final conclusion.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Machchhar following the incident and praised his actions during the emergency.
Modi credited the captain’s courage, patience and quick decision-making with potentially saving the lives of those aboard the aircraft.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar, describing him as a “true hero.”
Netanyahu said the incident could have ended in a major aviation tragedy had the captain and others aboard the aircraft failed to regain control.
Machchhar remains in hospital recovering from injuries sustained during the cockpit struggle, while investigations into the incident continue.
—PM News
