Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik has commended Indian Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary courage and decisive action in averting a catastrophe aboard a Flydubai flight.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Patnaik expressed immense pride in Captain Machchhar, who successfully thwarted a violent attempt by his co-pilot to crash Flight FZ1073, saving the lives of 174 passengers and crew members on board.
”Saluting Indian Captain #SmitMachchhar who displayed remarkable courage and swift action to save lives of passengers, onboard a flydubai flight,” Patnaik posted on X. “Despite being gravely injured, he fought off his co-pilot to save lives mid-air. India is proud of his bravery and humanity. Wish him speedy recovery and good health.”
A Miraculous Escape at 33,000 Feet
The appreciation follows the dramatic events aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the flight, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Machchhar in an attempt to hijack and crash the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The resulting struggle caused the aircraft to enter a violent dive, losing nearly 16,000 feet of altitude in less than a minute.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, Captain Machchhar resisted the attacker and unlocked the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to rush inside, overpower the co-pilot, and assist in stabilizing the aircraft.
The damaged jet safely executed an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where Captain Machchhar was immediately hospitalized to receive treatment for his injuries.
Patnaik joins a growing list of national leaders, aviation experts, and citizens across the country honoring Captain Machchhar’s extraordinary presence of mind and valor under extreme pressure.
