Indian pilot, Smith Machare, detailed the attack he endured during the Fly Dubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv in a video call with Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. This incident occurred on Wednesday when Machare was attacked by his colleague and severely injured. In this conversation, he spoke about his efforts to open the cockpit door and save the lives of the passengers and crew on board.
Details of the incident and rescue efforts
Machare, who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, recounted the story in a nearly ten-minute video clip, with a bandaged face and a tube in his nose. He tearfully said, "I knew the plane was going down... I had fallen to the ground and told myself that it was there and I had to open it. I was able to do it, and people came in."
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The incident occurred when Machare was suddenly attacked by his colleague, who apparently intended to crash the plane. The aircraft, with 174 passengers and crew, fell nearly 14,000 feet in less than thirty seconds. Machare stated, "I have been flying for 17 years and have been a captain for 11 years. I knew the plane was going down."
Prime Minister's response and aftermath
In this video call, Narendra Modi praised Machare's bravery, stating that his presence of mind saved lives and upheld the reputation of Indian pilots. Machare further said, "I know that God saved me." He also mentioned that during the incident, he recited prayers to the monkey god Hanuman.
While bloodied and lying on the ground, Machare managed to open the cockpit door. This action allowed passengers and crew to subdue his colleague, and two other Fly Dubai pilots entered to take control of the aircraft. Ultimately, the plane landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
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