House Bill Honors Indian Pilot Smita Machchhar After His Brave Actions Foiled Flydubai Terror Attack | Today’s news
A bill introduced in the US House of Representatives seeks to honor Indian captain Smit Machchhar for his actions in thwarting an attempted terrorist attack aboard flydubai flight 1073, while recognizing the crew and passengers who helped secure the plane.
US House honors Smita Machchhar after flydubai cockpit attack
The resolution, introduced on 5/10 by Congressmen Josh Gottheimer, Don Bacon and Michael McCaul, honors Machchhar and those on board the plane while condemning the attempted attack. The measure was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
What happened on board flydubai flight 1073?
According to the resolution, Flight 1073 departed from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on September 30, 2009, carrying approximately 174 passengers, including four US citizens and 27 children.
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Captain Smit Machchhar fended off the co-pilot’s attack, using his remaining strength to unlock the cockpit door, allowing the off-duty pilots to land the aircraft safely after it lost more than 16,000 feet in altitude.
The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly intended to take control of the plane mid-flight in what investigators identified as an attempted terrorist attack aimed at crashing the flight into Ben Gurion Airport.
The authorities condemned the attempted attack and the US House of Representatives introduced a bill honoring Captain Machchhar and the crew for their bravery and calling for a full investigation by the governments of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Investigators are looking into whether co-pilot al-Hammami’s possible motivations and intentions were indicative of a wider terrorist agenda, given that he was planning the attack before he joined Flydubai.
Captain Smit Machchhar is said to be making steady recovery, having improved mobility and communication after sustaining serious injuries during the attack.
Mid-flight, the first officer attacked Captain Machchhar on the flight deck with the aircraft’s emergency crash ax and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The plane lost more than 16,000 feet of altitude in less than 30 seconds, the resolution said.
Read also | Smit Machchar stabbing draws attention to ax strike: What is it? The expert explains
Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar fought off the attack and used his remaining strength to unlock the cockpit door. This allowed off-duty pilots to enter the aircraft and land while crew members and passengers restrained the first officer.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia with all passengers and crew on board.
The resolution cited the UAE Attorney General’s 03/10 announcement that an Emirati investigation found that the first officer attempted to commit a terrorist act.
The measure honors Machchhar for protecting everyone on board the plane and commends the off-duty pilots, cabin crew and passengers who secured the flight deck and brought the plane down safely. It also calls for a full and prompt investigation by the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with the United States and Israel being fully informed.
The embassy says the pilot is making a steady recovery
The Indian embassy in the UAE said Captain Smit Machchhar is making steady progress in his recovery and remains in close contact with his family, doctors and local authorities.
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“Health Update: Capt Smit continues to make steady progress and is recovering his health,” the Indian Embassy in the UAE said, adding that it “remains in close touch with his family, doctors and local authorities and is providing all possible assistance.”
“We thank everyone for their prayers and wish him a speedy recovery,” the embassy added.
Earlier, BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi organized special prayers and abhishek ceremony for Machchhar. Saints, community members and volunteers gathered at the temple to pray for his recovery and support his family.
The Times of Israel reports that Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami planned to divert the plane to Ben Gurion Airport and was detained for questioning in the UAE.
CBS News reported that Israel scrambled the fighters and was ready to intercept the plane if it continued toward Tel Aviv. The jets were later withdrawn after the plane turned towards Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.
Israeli forces attempted to contact the cockpit by radio, but received no response. A pre-set emergency system was activated, an emergency command center was established, and Israeli airspace was sealed off.
Read also | Indian Flydubai pilot ‘hero’ suffers skull fracture and memory problems
US President Donald Trump also said on Monday that he “personally” believed Iran was responsible for the attack.
“I do. I personally do,” Trump said when asked if he believed Iran was responsible for the attack on the flydubai flight.
The incident has since drawn international attention to Machchhar’s actions, as well as the coordinated efforts of the crew and passengers that allowed Flight 1073 to land safely.
