Smit Machchhar is hailed for his heroism after being stabbed on Flight 1073. As an aviator, the 38-year-old Indian pilot had piloted through an in-flight birth, turbulent monsoon skies and a high-wire landing in Greece. On Wednesday, he faced a violent stabbing attack from within the cockpit of a Fly Dubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplane to Tel Aviv. He fought off his attacker, alerted air-traffic control, and allowed passengers and crew to rescue the plane from a plunge.
His heroism was hailed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Machchhar suffered severe wounds to his neck and hands. Dentist Shota Musaev treated the pilot on board, saying the cockpit was full of blood and Machchhar's left hand had almost split in half. When his pulse dropped, Musaev called for reserve pilots to land as soon as possible. Machchhar is receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia, where his plane made an emergency landing.
Those who have worked with Machchhar describe him as very sober and grounded. During almost two decades as a pilot, he has landed at challenging airports and dealt with medical emergencies. He started his career at Spice Jet. Captain Teena Goswami remembered him as a calm, humble captain who treated junior pilots with respect.
Source: Wall Street Journal US Business · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing