Netanyahu said the seriously wounded Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar “managed to prevent a disaster on the scale of September 11.”
By Shula Rosen
Four Israelis who intervened when an Omani co-pilot allegedly tried to crash a Flydubai flight on September 30 will be recommended for the President’s Medal for Civilian Courage, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced.
Herzog named Yaniv Hayon, Dr. Shota Mosiyev, Zvika Manes and Asaf Rajuan for the honor following the attack aboard the aircraft, which was carrying over 170 people, mainly Israelis.
According to the President’s Office, Tali Manes initially alerted others that something unusual was happening.
The Omani co-pilot stabbed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, seriously wounding him, before sending the aircraft into a steep descent in an apparent attempt to bring it down.
“During the incident, the Israelis acted quickly and decisively. Tali Manes alerted about an unusual incident, and then Hayon, Zvika Manes and Rajuan rushed to help, entered the cockpit and overpowered the attacker, while risking their own lives. After neutralizing him, Dr. Mosiyev provided life-saving medical treatment to the pilot who was seriously injured. Their swift action prevented a major disaster.’
Although he had lost copious amounts of blood, Machchhar succeeded in opening the cockpit, giving the Israelis access. Hayon brought the plane out of its descent and steadied it. Standby pilots aboard for training then took over and landed the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN that Israel had no advance warning or intelligence indication of the attempted attack. He said Israel and the United Arab Emirates will investigate the incident together.
“We will know very soon if Iran had a connection to this,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu said Machchhar “managed to prevent a disaster on the scale of September 11.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the pilot.
“Captain Machchhar is a hero. In the face of immense danger, and despite being seriously injured, he demonstrated tremendous courage and unwavering determination to protect the lives of others. His bravery helped save hundreds of lives and prevent a major disaster. India is proud of Captain Matchachar. Praying for his speedy recovery.”
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