Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, whose actions reportedly helped save 172 passengers and crew members aboard a Flydubai flight following an alleged axe attack by the aircraft’s first officer, is set to be honoured in the Congressional Record of the US House of Representatives.
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi announced on Thursday that he would enter a statement into the official Congressional Record on Friday, recognising Machchhar’s courage during the September 30 incident aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The Illinois Democrat said the captain’s actions helped avert a potential catastrophe after the first officer allegedly attacked him with an axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
According to Krishnamoorthi’s statement, the aircraft plunged approximately 16,000 feet in just 30 seconds during the incident.
Despite sustaining serious injuries, Machchhar managed to reach and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the alleged attacker. Two reserve Flydubai pilots who were travelling aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The flight was carrying 172 passengers and crew members, including four American citizens and 27 children, according to the congressman’s statement.
Machchhar, an Indian national, has 17 years of flying experience, including 11 years as a captain.
Praising the pilot’s determination, Krishnamoorthi said Machchhar continued to act despite facing a life-threatening attack and understanding that the safety of everyone aboard depended on his actions.
“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 experience helped him recognise the danger facing the aircraft and find the strength to reach the cockpit door despite his injuries.
Krishnamoorthi said Machchhar’s presence of mind and courage gave passengers and crew members an opportunity to intervene and stop the attack.
Highlighting the impact on the families of those aboard, the congressman said the captain’s actions had helped spare them an unimaginable loss. He also extended his wishes to Machchhar, his wife Sonal, their two children and the wider family, expressing hope for his full and speedy recovery.
Krishnamoorthi urged fellow lawmakers to join him in recognising the Indian pilot’s actions.
The Congressional Record serves as the official record of proceedings and debates in the US Congress. Lawmakers also use it to place statements recognising individuals, organisations and significant events on the public record.
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