‘I was very shocked, didn’t understand what to do’, Captain Machar’s wife told what happened to her

New Delhi: The attack on the flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv left the family of Indian pilot Captain Smit Machar in deep shock. Sonal Machar, wife of Captain Machar, who was seriously injured in the attack, said that she was devastated when she got information about the attack on her husband. He said at that time he “didn’t have the mental capacity” to understand how he should react.

‘I was in great shock, didn’t know what to do’

Sonal said while talking to CNN-News18,

‘I was very shocked. I didn’t have the mental capacity to understand how I should react.’

He told that the support of family and friends was helpful in handling him during that difficult time. Besides, he also got relief from the information he was getting from Indian officials. He said that having his people around gave him confidence that the situation was being handled and soon he got the news that Smit’s condition was stable.

Relief after seeing husband in hospital

Sonal told that she met her husband in the hospital in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Seeing him, his worries subsided a bit. He said,

‘I met him on Thursday. This reassured me that he was in good hands. UAE doctors and military doctors are taking very good care of him.

Sonal said that now her biggest effort is to help Smit in his recovery. She said that she is just hoping that Smit returns home soon and will do everything possible for his recovery.

What did the wife say about the conversation with Netanyahu?

When Sonal was asked whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had expressed his desire to talk to Captain Smit, she said that Smit was the right person in this regard. Sonal said,

‘I will not be able to talk to Mr. Netanyahu. I think Smit is the right person and he should talk to Mr. Netanyahu.

He further said that he will definitely talk to Smit once his condition improves and he is in the right mental state.

Story of attack narrated in conversation with PM Modi

During a phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Captain Smit Machar told about that dreadful incident. He said that due to his 17 years of flying experience, he immediately realized that the plane was going down rapidly. He said,

‘When I was lying on the floor, I realized that the plane was going down. I knew for sure that now I would have to make a last effort. I said to myself, Smit, just try one last time. The door is right there. Open it.’

Smit said that despite the attacker’s attacks continuing, he somehow opened the cockpit door.

‘I couldn’t let the passengers die’

Captain Machar told the Prime Minister that at that time he was explaining to himself that he was trying to save his life. But it was also clear in his mind that he could not let other people present in the plane die. In a conversation with the hospital, he said that despite serious injuries, he decided to open the cockpit door, after which other crew members and passengers got a chance to reach inside and control the attacker.

Modi praised courage and wisdom

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machar’s courage, patience and wisdom shown in difficult times. During the conversation, Machar told that the role of other crew members and passengers was equally important in saving the plane. After this, two other pilots, who were present in the plane as passengers, also helped in landing the plane safely. (With inputs from ANI)

Also read: How is the condition of Captain Smit Machar now? India’s ambassador to UAE met and inquired about the situation