US Congress to Recognize Indian Pilot for Bravery During Flydubai Flight Emergency
Washington — Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who reportedly helped save 172 people aboard a Flydubai flight after being attacked by a fellow pilot wielding an axe, is set to receive recognition in the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi announced Thursday that he would submit a statement to the Congressional Record on Friday honoring Machchhar’s courage during the September 30 incident aboard Flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to the Illinois Democrat’s account, the aircraft’s first officer allegedly attacked Machchhar and attempted to take control of the plane, causing it to plunge approximately 16,000 feet in just 30 seconds.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the alleged attacker.
Two reserve Flydubai pilots traveling aboard the aircraft subsequently assumed control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The flight was carrying 172 passengers, including four American citizens and 27 children, according to Krishnamoorthi’s statement.
Machchhar, an Indian national, has 17 years of aviation experience, including 11 years as a captain.
In his prepared remarks for the Congressional Record, Krishnamoorthi praised the pilot for remaining focused on the safety of those aboard despite his injuries.
“Even as Captain Machchhar fought for his own life, he understood that the lives of everyone aboard depended on what he did next,” Krishnamoorthi said.
“Despite his injuries, his years of experience told him that the aircraft was going down, and he found the strength to reach that door.”
The congressman credited Machchhar’s quick thinking and determination with giving passengers and crew members an opportunity to stop the alleged attack.
“His presence of mind, determination, and courage gave the passengers and crew the chance they needed to stop the attack and avert a catastrophe,” he said.
Krishnamoorthi also emphasized the impact of the pilot’s actions on the families of those aboard the aircraft.
“Behind every person aboard Flight 1073 is a family that was spared an unimaginable loss,” he said.
“Because Captain Machchhar refused to give up, the passengers and crew aboard that aircraft had the chance to return to the people who love them.”
The lawmaker called on his congressional colleagues to recognize Machchhar’s bravery and extended his wishes for the pilot’s recovery.
“We extend our warmest wishes to him, his wife Sonal, their two children, and their entire family, and we hope for the captain’s full-speed recovery from his injuries at the earliest,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The Congressional Record serves as the official record of proceedings and debates in the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers frequently use it to recognize individuals, organizations and significant events, preserving their statements as part of the legislative record. (Source: IANS)
