Prime Minister Narendra Modi heard firsthand from Captain Smit Machchhar about the cockpit attack during a video call released Friday by his office. In the conversation, Machchhar described in Hindi how he dealt with an intruder on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
During the incident, the aircraft plummeted thousands of feet. Machchhar, with 17 years of flying experience and having served as a captain for 11, succeeded in opening the cockpit door, which allowed passengers and crew members to step in. The flight was redirected to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it came down safely.
Machchhar’s Fight for the Door
Machchhar explained the instant he understood he had to move to protect all those aboard. He suffered serious damage from the strike.
“When I was lying on the floor, I could feel that the aircraft was plunging and I said to myself while I was getting beaten, ‘This is the last push, Smit, do it, the door is right there,'” Machchhar said. “Somehow, I opened the door, and everyone came in and everyone else had an equal role in the rescue,” he said. “I was trying to save myself, but I also knew that I can’t let anyone die.”
His time as a pilot gave him insight into what was going on, even when he was wounded.
He spoke those words, “Even if I shut my eyes, I can tell what is happening inside a plane,” with no other interruption.
Modi’s Words of Praise
Many lives were saved because of a quick choice made under pressure, and Modi singled out Machchhar’s courage, patience and presence of mind for that decision.
“You took a decision in a fraction of second and saved the lives of so many people,” Modi said. “Today, the whole country can say this with pride: We Indians are not killers, we are life savers.”
Machchhar was also praised by Modi for his concern for the passengers even though he was seriously hurt himself. “And the biggest thing is you enhanced the honor of 1.4 billion Indians and that is why I am feeling proud from my heart,” That is what Modi said.
Modi received a message from Machchhar, who described himself as the prime minister’s “biggest idol”, and expressed pride at having been contacted by the leader.
Recovery and Prayers
After receiving initial treatment in Tabuk, Machchhar is now recovering. He was moved to Abu Dhabi for further medical care.
Across India, Modi said prayers had been offered at temples and other holy places for Machchhar’s recovery.
“Yesterday, prayers and chants were offered in all the temples and holy places, wishing for your long life, and we all are praying for your good health,” Modi said. “You are going to be in good health very soon and India is very eager to welcome you.”
The Call Between Leader and Pilot
Friday saw the release of the video call from the prime minister’s office. Modi and Machchhar communicated with each other in Hindi.
Modi checked on Machchhar during the call by asking him how he felt, to which Machchhar responded with “I am fine and everything is all right,”. Modi then told him “The entire country is praying for you,”.
Comparing the Two Speakers
| Speaker | What They Said |
|---|---|
| Machchhar | “I am fine and everything is all right” |
| Modi | “The entire country is praying for you” |
Machchhar’s account is a vivid tale of quick thinking under pressure.
Source material: “FlyDubai captain Smit Machchhar recounts harrowing cockpit attack,” ABC13 Houston.
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