‘I was reciting Hanuman Chalisa’: ‘Hero’ pilot Captain Smit Machchaar recounts flydubai stabbing to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Captain Smit Machchaar, who foiled an attempt by his co-pilot to allegedly crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight, and applauded his bravery.

Pilot Captain Smit Machchaar told Prime Minister Narendra during a telephonic conversation on Friday that he recited Hanuman Chalisa as he was dealing with the stabbing incident on an Israel-bound flydubau flight on Wednesday.

“I was reciting Hanuman Chalisa even during the incident, ” Smit Machchaar told PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Captain Smit Machchaar, who foiled an attempt by his co-pilot to allegedly crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight, and applauded his bravery.

Quick answers to key questions

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QUESTIONS

During the flydubai flight FZ1073, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar while attempting to take control of the aircraft bound for Tel Aviv, prompting passengers to intervene and stabilize the flight, which then diverted to Saudi Arabia.

Captain Smit Machchhar recited the Hanuman Chalisa to draw courage and maintain focus while he dealt with the stabbing incident onboard the aircraft.

Passengers intervened by breaking into the cockpit to subdue the co-pilot after Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing them to regain control of the aircraft.

Captain Machchhar's extensive flying experience of over 9,750 hours and the rigorous training he received, which included emergency preparedness, contributed significantly to his ability to manage the crisis effectively.

Yes, the flydubai incident underscores the importance of pilot training for unexpected situations, highlighting that although there are no conventional checklists for cockpit attacks, preparedness and courage are critical in such emergencies.

During the telephonic conversation, Machchaar gave details of his experience and what gave him courage during the incident, government sources said.

PM Modi applauded the pilot's bravery and wished him a quick recovery, the sources said.

The prime minister on Thursday had said in the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, Machchhar showed immense courage and unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.

PM Modi said Machchhar is a "HERO" and his valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the prime minister had also said that the pilot of the flydubai flight showed great patience, acumen and bravery.

"And like Israeli PM (Benjamin Netanyahu) today said that this Indian thwarted 9/11 (like attack). For every Indian, Smit's bravery fills our heart with pride," he said.

PM Modi also spoke to the wife and parents of Machchhar and applauded his bravery that saved hundreds of lives.

The flydubai incident

The flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk city. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.

In videos circulating on social media, the pilot can be seen drenched in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the galley of the aircraft.

In his statement, Netanyahu had said that an Israeli passenger told him that the aircraft went into a spin and began descending, after which the passenger and a crew member managed to break into the cockpit and, together, they overpowered the pilot who had carried out the stabbing while he was attempting to sabotage the aircraft's systems.

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