New Delhi: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Thursday hailed the exceptional courage of Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for thwarting his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight, and said the entire country is proud of his bravery and timely action.
The flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, transmitted emergency signals and made a sharp descent before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.
Machchhar was flying the Boeing 737 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when he was stabbed by his co-pilot during the flight. The incident caused the aircraft to make a sudden descent before passengers and crew members intervened and the situation was brought under control. The plane later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all 174 passengers safe.
Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised the pilot, describing him as a “HERO” and saying his courage and resolve helped save lives and prevent a major tragedy.
