Captain Sumit Mhachar, who helped save a Fly Dubai flight from crashing after being severely wounded in a stabbing, spoke from his hospital bed in the United Arab Emirates with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and recounted the incident.
"I feel immense pride. In that moment I was fighting for my life, but I understood that if I didn't get up and act, after being severely injured and lying on the floor, no one would act. I've been flying aircraft for 17 years and serving as captain for the last 11 years, and I know even with my eyes closed what's happening on the plane," the pilot told the prime minister.
"I knew only one more final push was needed to open the door. Despite the injuries I opened it, and all the rest of the crew came in and did their part. I knew I couldn't let the passengers die," Mhachar said.
"The entire nation is praying for you. The 'Maha-Mrityunjaya Jaap' prayer is being recited for you and for your health. The courage, composure and calm you displayed saved many lives," Prime Minister Modi told Sumit during the conversation.
