New Delhi, 02 October (H.S.): Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation Milind Deora has sought the conferment of the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, on Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who displayed exceptional courage during a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv and helped save the lives of those on board. Deora wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, urging the formal recognition of Captain Machchhar's bravery.

In his letter to the Prime Minister, Deora said that Mumbai-born Captain Smit Machchhar displayed exceptional presence of mind and courage during an unforeseen and grave crisis in the air, going beyond the normal call of his professional duty. During the flight, Captain Machchhar was allegedly attacked in the cockpit and seriously injured amid an alleged attempt by the co-pilot to take control of the aircraft. Reports on the September 30 incident identify Machchhar as the pilot in command of Flydubai Flight FZ1073.

Deora said in his letter that despite suffering serious injuries, Captain Machchhar did not lose courage and succeeded in opening the cockpit door. This gave passengers and crew members an opportunity to intervene and helped avert a potentially catastrophic aviation disaster. Captain Machchhar, he said, placed the safety of the passengers above concern for his own life.

Deora further stated that Captain Machchhar's courage had received recognition beyond India as well. He said that formally honouring the pilot would send a message to the country's youth that courage is not confined to any particular profession or the battlefield, and that any citizen can demonstrate courage and a strong sense of duty by risking their own safety to protect others.

Deora said that, as a Mumbaikar, he felt particularly proud of Captain Machchhar's courage.

It may be recalled that on September 30, a serious incident occurred aboard Flydubai's international Flight FZ1073 while it was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, an altercation broke out in the cockpit and Indian-origin Captain Smit Machchhar was allegedly attacked by the co-pilot and sustained serious injuries. The co-pilot was also reported to have attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar displayed presence of mind and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. Two off-duty pilots travelling on the aircraft subsequently assisted in taking control of the plane, which was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Reports put the number of people aboard the aircraft at 174.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar