Ranchi, Oct 1 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday hailed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for his bravery in foiling an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Soren said his courage and dedication to duty will inspire people.
“I salute the indomitable courage of Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who exemplified bravery, patience, and sound judgement by risking his own life to ensure the safety of passengers aboard a flydubai flight,” the CM said in a post on X.
“The responsibility with which he performed his duty in such grave circumstances is a matter of pride for the nation. His courage and dedication to duty are an inspiration to all,” Soren said.
The flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk city.
In videos circulated on social media, the pilot can be seen drenched in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the galley of the aircraft.
“He is admitted to a hospital in Tabuk city in northwest Saudi Arabia and is receiving necessary medical attention. A full update on his health is awaited, but he is reported to be in stable condition,” the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a post on X.
Soren said he was praying for Machchhar’s swift and complete recovery. PTI SAN RBT
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