Indian pilot who saved 174 people despite being stabbed in the body – Trump, Netanyahu praise him as a real hero.
An unexpected disaster was averted on a flydubai flight that departed from Dubai for Tel Aviv in Israel. While still in the air, the co-pilot attacked indiscriminately with a knife, seriously injuring Indian-origin Captain Smith Machar, who displayed extraordinary courage. Despite bleeding profusely, he opened the cockpit door, prevented a major aviation disaster and saved the lives of more than 174 passengers. While the Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft was in the air, the co-pilot, believed to be an Omani national, suddenly attacked Captain Smith Machar with a knife. He severely attempted to destroy the aircraft’s control systems and crash the plane. During the struggle, the aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet in just 30 seconds. Even while seriously injured and falling down, Captain Smith cleverly unlocked the cockpit door and shouted. Alerted by the severe jolts of the aircraft and the screams, passengers and crew immediately rushed into the cockpit.
● Passenger who restrained the co-pilot, safe landing in Saudi Arabia.
Among the passengers who entered the cockpit, an Israeli plumber named Yaniv played a major role. Yaniv, who said he had gained a basic understanding of aircraft controls by watching air disaster programs broadcast on television, along with other passengers, pulled the destructive co-pilot back from his seat and restrained him. Two other pilots and security personnel who were traveling on the same flight immediately took control of the cockpit and brought the aircraft under control. They then diverted the flight to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia and landed safely. After waiting for nearly 8 hours, the passengers were transported to Tel Aviv on another alternative flight.
● Trump, Netanyahu salute.
World leaders praised the extraordinary courage displayed by Captain Smith Machar. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump said ‘Smith, despite suffering very serious injuries, acted with presence of mind and emerged as a real hero. This is an incredible event’. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu posted on X, ‘My salute to Indian pilot Captain Smith Machar for his extraordinary courage in saving passengers without backing down despite being seriously injured. I pray for his speedy recovery’. Describing Smith as a highly skilled hero, Israel’s ambassador to India said that he was praying for his well-being on behalf of India-Israel-UAE.
● Who is Captain Smith Machar?
Smith Machar, from Gujarat, is a pilot with more than a decade of extensive experience in the commercial aviation sector. He worked for Indian airline SpiceJet for nearly 11 years, from June 2011 to 2022. He joined flydubai as a direct-entry captain in June 2022. He is an expert in the operation and safety standards of Boeing 737 aircraft. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Welingkar Institute of Management. The Indian Embassy stated that it is closely monitoring the health of Captain Smith, who is currently undergoing treatment in hospital, and will provide full assistance and support to his family.