Israeli PM Honors Pilot Who Stopped ‘9/11’-Like Attack
Israeli PM Netanyahu praises Indian pilot who foiled cockpit attack, invites him to light Independence Day flame.
2 min read
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly honored Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, calling him a ‘true hero’ after he thwarted a dangerous cockpit attack on Flydubai Flight FZ1073. Netanyahu praised Machchhar during a phone conversation, expressing admiration for his bravery and inviting him to Israel to light a flame during the country’s next Independence Day celebration.
Heroic Actions Averted Disaster
According to Machchhar, the incident began when the co-pilot requested to pray, a common practice in some cultures. While the co-pilot was praying, Machchhar was looking forward, out of respect. Suddenly, a violent blow struck the back of his head, and he realized something was severely wrong.
“My first thought was that there was a catastrophic damage to the aircraft, and something is not right,” Machchhar explained. “But then, after that, the blows kept coming, one after the other, and that’s when I realized it’s not the aircraft; it’s the other guy who was in the cockpit with me.” He described his struggle to stop the co-pilot, who had attacked him, leaving him temporarily blinded and unable to see clearly.
“I had that one last fight left in me,” Machchhar said. “Call it personal or call it for people, but let’s say I did it. That if I don’t do it, I’m going to die. And that’s when I pushed against everything. I gave everything that I had, and just went for the door and opened the door.”
Israeli Citizen Saves the Day
Once the cockpit door was opened, Israeli citizen Yaniv Hayoun rushed in and helped subdue the co-pilot. Hayoun then took control of the aircraft, pulling it out of its dangerous dive and ensuring the safety of all passengers.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude for Machchhar’s actions, emphasizing that his heroism extended beyond national borders. “You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you are a hero of the entire world,” Netanyahu said. The Prime Minister also invited both Machchhar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations.
The incident highlights the critical role of quick thinking and courage in aviation safety. As investigations continue, the story of Machchhar and Hayoun serves as a reminder of the bravery required in such high-stakes situations.
Source: Daily Wire
