Pilot who stopped co‑pilot’s crash attempt talks with PM Modi

Incident

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot with flydubai, stopped his co‑pilot from crashing a flight that was heading from Dubai to Israel. The thwarted attempt left Machchhar injured but alive, and he credits continuous recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa for keeping him steady during the crisis.

Conversation with PM

On Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi video‑called the recovering captain. Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, presence of mind and composure, saying the whole nation was praying for his health and that Maha Mrityunjay Jaap was being performed for him. The prime minister added that Indians are known for risking their lives to save others. During the call Machchhar became emotional, calling Modi his biggest idol and saying he never imagined speaking with the prime minister. Modi also spoke about Machchhar’s mother, Geeta Ben, noting she raised him with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

Context

The incident highlights the critical role of pilot vigilance in preventing aviation disasters. It also shows how personal faith and national support can intersect during emergencies, offering moral backing to those who act heroically.