Heroic Pilot Saves 174 Lives in Mid-Air Attack
Indian pilot saves passengers during deadly in-flight attack, hailed as national hero.
2 min read
Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar emerged as a national hero after thwarting a deadly in-flight attack that could have ended in catastrophe. The 17-year aviation veteran, flying for Flydubai, faced a brutal airborne stabbing by a co-pilot, who turned on him in a violent mid-air attack. Despite suffering severe stab wounds and bleeding out on the cockpit floor, Machchhar made a split-second decision to open the cabin door, allowing Israeli security personnel to intervene and rescue the passengers.
A Heroic Stand in the Skies
In an emotional phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar recounted the harrowing moment. “I was fighting for my life,” he said, describing how he lay bleeding on the cabin floor, hearing the aircraft descend. “I knew absolutely that this was one last push, if Smit could do it.” With his attacker still stabbing him, Machchhar managed to open the door, enabling the emergency rescue that saved 174 lives.
Modi Praises the Pilot’s Courage
Modi expressed deep admiration for Machchhar’s bravery, calling him a symbol of India’s values. “Your courage, your patience, and your presence of mind — in a fraction of a second, you made so many decisions, and you saved so many people’s lives,” Modi said. The Prime Minister also highlighted the composure of Machchhar’s wife, Sonal ben, during the crisis, noting that she spoke with “such courage” and brought honor to the nation.
Strength Drawn from Faith
Machchhar revealed that during the attack, he turned to Hindu scriptures for strength, reciting the ancient “Hanuman Chalisa.” “I am only positivity,” he told Modi. “Whenever I feel afraid, only one thing comes to me … I was only reciting the Hanuman Chalisa. And I know that, hey, God will save me.”
A Symbol of Nonviolence
Modi concluded the call by offering his personal support to Machchhar during his recovery, emphasizing the pilot’s embodiment of nonviolence. “Whenever you feel you need something, I am one phone call away,” Modi promised. “What nonviolence is, you demonstrated by living it.”
Source: Daily Wire
