Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar on October 1 for saving a Flydubai flight from disaster. Machchhar reportedly fought off his co-pilot who tried to crash the plane. He risked everything to keep his passengers alive. The crew and travelers were on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the chaos started.
The jet fell over 17,000 feet from its cruising altitude of 34,000 feet. The crew eventually diverted the plane to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. There were 174 people on board, including 27 children. Footage posted online showed the injured pilot on the floor of the galley wearing an oxygen mask while covered in blood.
Singh lauded the pilot for his actions in a social media statement. "Captain Smit Machchhar has displayed extraordinary courage, valour and selflessness in the face of grave danger," the minister wrote. He noted that the entire nation is offering prayers for the pilot's recovery. Singh stated that Machchhar's resolve represents the spirit of service and sacrifice for all 140 crore Indians.
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