US House to honour Indian pilot who helped avert mid-air catastrophe
Washington: The US House of Representatives will recognise Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage in helping prevent a major disaster after he was allegedly attacked by a co-pilot during a Flydubai flight, an Indian-American lawmaker has said.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said on Thursday that he would place a statement in the Congressional Record on Friday honouring Machchhar for his actions during the September 30 incident involving Flydubai Flight 1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to the Illinois Democrat, the aircraft lost about 16,000 feet in altitude within 30 seconds after the first officer allegedly attacked the captain with an axe and tried to take control of the aircraft.
Machchhar sustained serious injuries in the assault but managed to make his way to the cockpit door and open it. This allowed passengers and crew members to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker, Krishnamoorthi said.
Two reserve Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the flight then took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The flight had 172 passengers and crew members on board, including four US citizens and 27 children, according to the Congressman’s statement.
Machchhar, an Indian national, has 17 years of flying experience and has served as a captain for 11 years.
Krishnamoorthi said the pilot remained focused on the safety of those aboard despite being involved in a life-threatening struggle.
“Even as Captain Machchhar fought for his own life, he understood that the lives of everyone aboard depended on what he did next,” the Congressman said.
He added that the captain’s training and experience helped him realise that the aircraft was descending rapidly, giving him the strength to reach the cockpit door despite his injuries.
“His presence of mind, determination, and courage gave the passengers and crew the chance they needed to stop the attack and avert a catastrophe,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The lawmaker also referred to the families of the passengers and crew, saying Machchhar’s actions had helped spare them an “unimaginable loss”.
“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,” he said.
Krishnamoorthi extended his wishes to Machchhar’s wife, Sonal, their two children and the rest of the family, while hoping for the captain’s speedy recovery from his injuries.
The Congressional Record is the official account of proceedings and debates in the US Congress. It also allows lawmakers to formally place on record statements honouring individuals, organisations and significant events.
(Inputs from IANS)