NEW DELHI, Oct 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke with Captain Smit Machchaar, the flydubai pilot who is reported to have helped prevent an Israel bound flight from being brought down during a mid-air emergency, and praised his courage.
During the telephone conversation, Machchaar shared details of the incident with the prime minister and spoke about the circumstances that helped him remain determined during the crisis, government sources said.
Modi appreciated the pilot’s courage and resilience and wished him a speedy recovery, the sources added.
The prime minister had on Thursday described Machchaar as a “HERO”, saying he displayed exceptional courage and determination while facing a serious threat to the lives of passengers.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchaar remained focused on protecting those aboard the aircraft, Modi said. He credited the pilot’s actions with helping save hundreds of people and preventing what could have been a major tragedy.
Speaking at an event marking the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Modi said the pilot had demonstrated patience, presence of mind and bravery during the incident.
Referring to comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Modi said the incident had been described as an attempt that could have resulted in a disaster similar to the September 11 attacks. He said Machchaar’s actions were a source of pride for Indians.
Modi also spoke with Machchaar’s wife and parents and commended the pilot for his actions during the emergency.
The incident involved flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft issued emergency signals before making a steep descent of more than 17,000 feet from an altitude of around 34,000 feet.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
There were 174 passengers on board the flight, including 27 children.
Videos circulating on social media showed Machchaar inside the aircraft with visible injuries, wearing an oxygen mask and lying in the galley area.
According to Netanyahu’s account, an Israeli passenger told him that the aircraft began spinning and descending during the incident. The passenger and a crew member reportedly managed to gain access to the cockpit and overpower the co-pilot, who had allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s systems.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are being examined, while accounts from officials and passengers have highlighted the actions taken inside the aircraft during the emergency.
The flight ultimately reached safety after being diverted to Saudi Arabia, with the incident drawing international attention because of the potential consequences for the passengers and crew.
Modi’s conversation with Machchaar followed his public remarks a day earlier, in which he highlighted the pilot’s conduct under extremely difficult circumstances.
The prime minister’s interaction with the pilot’s family also reflected the government’s recognition of the seriousness of the incident and the role attributed to Machchaar in helping protect those aboard the aircraft.
Machchaar’s actions have since received praise from Indian and Israeli officials, while details of the incident continue to emerge from accounts provided by passengers, authorities and other sources.