Capt. Smit Machchhar, the pilot of a FlyDubai plane, has described the moment when he was stabbed by his copilot in a midflight attack. Machchhar, who has been praised for his heroic actions, told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he was fighting for his life when he opened the plane's cockpit door to allow passengers to intervene.
The copilot had attacked Machchhar, causing the plane to plummet over 14,000 feet in 30 seconds. However, thanks to Machchhar's actions, passengers were able to rush into the cockpit and incapacitate the copilot, stabilizing the plane and preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.
Machchhar told Modi that he had been wounded and was lying on the floor when he realized the plane was in danger. He said he thought to himself, "This is the last push Smit, do it, the door is right there," and managed to open the cockpit door.
Modi expressed his admiration for Machchhar's bravery, saying that he was a true hero who had shown the "highest form of courage". He also told Machchhar that all of India was praying for his recovery and that he would be welcomed back with open arms.
Machchhar has been taken to a hospital in the UAE, where he is currently recovering from his injuries. He has expressed hope that he will make a full recovery and has credited his faith for helping him through the ordeal.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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