Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during a dramatic emergency onboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Modi said Machchhar’s actions helped avert what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a potential “9/11-type tragedy”.
Speaking at an event marking the centenary of the Union Public Service Commission, Modi said Captain Smit demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind and courage despite being seriously injured during the incident.
Modi also said he had spoken to Machchhar’s father Bhupendra, mother Geeta and wife Sonal. He said the pilot was undergoing treatment and appealed to people to pray for his recovery and good health.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was flying over northern Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit inside the cockpit, triggering a struggle while the aircraft was in flight.
The situation quickly became critical as the aircraft lost thousands of feet in a matter of seconds. Flight data analysed by Hindustan Times showed that the plane was initially cruising at around 34,000 feet. At approximately 8:21am Saudi time, it began a rapid descent.
Between two readings taken 37 seconds apart, the aircraft dropped from 33,225 feet to 18,925 feet. Its ground speed later reached approximately 598 knots, or around 1,107 kmph. The aircraft subsequently regained altitude before descending again and eventually stabilising.
The flight also transmitted emergency code 7700 before later showing hijack code 7500. It remains unclear who activated the codes during the incident.
The aircraft ultimately returned towards Saudi Arabia and landed at Tabuk. The Indian Embassy said Captain Machchhar was receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. Reports said he had undergone surgery and was in stable condition.
Netanyahu had earlier praised Machchhar’s actions and also acknowledged the role of an Israeli passenger who reportedly helped overpower the attacker. He said the actions of those involved prevented a disaster that could have had global consequences.
Captain Machchhar is reportedly from Ghatkopar East in Mumbai and has extensive aviation experience. He joined flydubai’s Boeing 737 fleet as a direct-entry captain in June 2022 after spending 11 years with SpiceJet. During his career, he rose to senior commander and later worked in pilot training and checking.
His professional profile reportedly lists around 9,750 flying hours. His brother is also a pilot with Akasa Air.
The exact circumstances of the cockpit confrontation, the motive of the co-pilot and the sequence of actions during the emergency remain under investigation. Aviation authorities are expected to examine flight data, cockpit evidence and other material to establish what happened.
The incident has meanwhile drawn international attention to Captain Smit Machchhar’s response during one of the most serious emergencies faced by the flight.
Reader Comments 0