Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was attacked in the flydubai flight incident on Wednesday, interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the hospital.
Smit Machchhar told PM Modi that he opened the cockpit door of the aircraft while being attacked as he realised staying down meant certain death. If he was to survive, he had to get up and act despite the injuries, Machchhar thought while engaging his co-pilot who went rogue.
According to a video clip released by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday, Machchhar thanked Modi for making the effort to reach out and called him his biggest idol. "You are my biggest idol, and I feel very, very proud that you are encouraging me by calling me like this," he reportedly said.
The 39-year-old pilot said he has the habit of reciting the Hanuman Chalisa often, and as he decided to take on the Omani co-pilot, he was reciting it. The pilot was humble and credited the courage of Israeli passengers who came to his aid immediately after the cockpit door was opened. He reportedly told the PM that he decided to give his everything to get the door open and made the final push.
"I have been flying for over 17 years and have been a captain for the last 11 years. I could understand what was happening even with my eyes closed. I knew I had to make that last push. I pushed myself to open the cockpit door, and once I did, everyone else came in. Everyone played an equal role in what happened," he reportedly said.
"I had suffered so many injuries, but I told myself that I had to get up and act. At that moment, I was fighting for my life. I had fallen down, but I realised that if I did not get up, I would be dead," Smit Machchhar further told the Prime Minister.
Modi told his countryman that the entire country was praying for his quick recovery. Thanks to his valour, the world was able to witness that Indians are not those who claim the lives of others, but those who are willing to risk their own lives to save others. He did not forget to praise his courage and presence of mind in the face of terror.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the flight's injured captain saved the aircraft and the people on it by resisting the co-pilot's attacks long enough to open the 737's cockpit door, enabling passengers to subdue the suspect and other flydubai crew members to take the controls and land the plane.
A regional official briefed on the investigation said the suspect, an Omani citizen, was under arrest and confirmed that Saudi authorities were working with countries, including Israel, to try to determine a motive. He said the UAE, the United States, and Oman were also involved.
"All possible scenarios, from terrorism to mental disorders, are being looked into. Nothing is ruled out for now," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss an ongoing probe.
