Bipartisan resolution praises the captain, crew and passengers who helped avert a potential disaster aboard Flight 1073
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
US lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan resolution honouring Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during a mid-air attack on a Flydubai flight that potentially averted a major disaster.
The resolution, introduced by Representatives Josh Gottheimer, Michael McCaul and Don Bacon, recognises Machchhar, the cabin crew, off-duty pilots and passengers of Flydubai Flight 1073 for their actions during the September 30 incident. It was referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee on October 5.
The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was carrying about 174 passengers, including four US citizens and 27 children, when the first officer allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The aircraft subsequently lost more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to resist the attack and unlock the cockpit door, allowing off-duty pilots to enter. Cabin crew and passengers then helped restrain the first officer, while the aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
The resolution commends Machchhar for what it describes as extraordinary courage and also recognises the contribution of those who helped secure the aircraft and bring it safely to the ground
It further condemns the incident as an act of terrorism and calls for a full and speedy investigation by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, with the United States and Israel kept informed.
The move follows an announcement by the UAE Attorney General on October 3 that the investigation had determined the first officer had attempted to carry out a terrorist act.
Machchhar has received praise from Indian and Israeli leaders and remains under medical care while recovering from his injuries.
