Speaking to IANS, Eknath Shinde said, “Captain Smit Machar's act of bravery and courage is a rare achievement in the entire world. He showed great courage by risking his life to save the lives of 174 people. He saved the plane from being hijacked and ensured the safety of all people by risking his life.”
Shinde also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the first to congratulate the pilot and lauded his courageous efforts.
The Deputy Chief Minister further said, “The popular and successful Prime Minister of our country was the first to congratulate him. He was very proud of the fact that Smit Machar is from our country and from Mumbai and is also a reason for pride for Maharashtra.”
Let us tell you that Flydubai flight FZ-1073 was going from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September. It is said that the flight sent emergency signals and suddenly descended more than 17,000 feet. Before the incident the plane was flying at an altitude of about 34,000 feet.
There were 174 passengers on board the flight, including 27 children. The flight was later diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
In the video going viral on social media, the mosquito is seen soaked in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the galley of the plane.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that an Israeli passenger had informed him that the plane started spinning and going downwards.
According to Netanyahu, the passenger and a crew member entered the cockpit and overpowered the pilot. The pilot was attacked by a mosquito while trying to tamper with the aircraft's systems.
The mosquito is being hailed as a 'real hero' for helping save the lives of all 174 people on board the plane. Machar has been with flydubai for over four years and has over 13 years of commercial aviation experience, including over 9,500 flying hours.