I was simply doing my duty: Mumbai pilot capt Smit Machchhar fights off co-pilot to avert mid-air disaster

Neha Purav

Mumbai, Oct 1 (UNI) Displaying extraordinary grit and courage under horrific circumstances, Mumbai-born Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, a resident of Bhanushali Wadi in Ghatkopar, saved the lives of nearly 180 passengers by thwarting an alleged mid-air hijacking and crash attempt by his co-pilot aboard a flydubai flight.

Reflecting on the terrifying ordeal, Captain Machchhar remained remarkably humble while giving his reaction to UNI, "As a pilot, I was simply doing my duty. The plane landed safely, and everyone is out of harm's way-that is all I am grateful for."

The harrowing incident unfolded on a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Israel. Mid-flight, the Omani co-pilot abruptly turned hostile, reportedly attacking Captain Machchhar and attempting to hijack and crash the aircraft in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later termed a potential 9/11-style suicide attack.

Despite sustaining severe, bleeding injuries, Captain Machchhar fought back fiercely, managed to trigger emergency protocols, and ensured the cockpit door was unlocked. This allowed alert crew members and brave passengers to rush in, overpower the attacker, and stabilise the aircraft before it made an emergency landing.

Captain Smit Machchhar, a veteran commercial aviator with over 9,700 flying hours, has roots in Ghatkopar, Mumbai.

The Omani co-pilot's cockpit assault was allegedly aimed at replicating a major terror disaster. Quick-thinking passengers and crew intervened, neutralising the threat while all around 180 passengers walked away safely.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed Machchhar as a "true hero" of Mumbai, while messages of profound gratitude poured in from across the globe.

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