Captain Smit Machchhar’s ordeal on October 1, 2026, has added another remarkable chapter to India’s history of aviation courage. While operating a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot inside the cockpit. Despite suffering serious injuries, he remained focused on securing the aircraft and helping protect the passengers from the immediate threat.
His experience recalls several other extraordinary stories involving pilots and cabin crew who faced hijackings, wartime missions and other life-threatening situations while responsible for hundreds of lives. In each case, the crisis demanded quick judgment, composure and courage under extreme pressure.
Captain Smit Machchhar, 2026
Captain Smit Machchhar was commanding a Boeing 737 when his co-pilot suddenly attacked and stabbed him. Even while badly injured and bleeding, he activated the emergency lock release, enabling cabin crew and passengers to enter the cockpit and overpower the attacker.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia. The incident involved 174 passengers and placed the captain’s composure under extraordinary pressure.
Neerja Bhanot, 1986
Neerja Bhanot was serving as the senior flight purser on Pan Am Flight 73 when terrorists hijacked the aircraft in Karachi. She alerted the cockpit crew, giving the pilots time to escape and preventing the aircraft from being flown away.
During the 17-hour ordeal, Bhanot concealed the passports of American passengers to protect them from being singled out. She was killed while shielding three children from gunfire. Bhanot was later awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously.
Captain Devi Sharan, 1999
Captain Devi Sharan was at the controls of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 when it was hijacked by five terrorists. The aircraft was forced to travel across several countries during the seven-day crisis.
With limited fuel and armed hijackers on board, Sharan continued flying and negotiating under immense pressure. His handling of the situation helped keep the passengers and crew alive until the crisis ended.
Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, 1984
Before becoming India’s first cosmonaut, Rakesh Sharma served as an Indian Air Force fighter pilot. During the 1971 Indo-Pak War, he flew 21 combat missions in a MiG-21.
His military career later led him to the Soviet Salyut 7 space station, where he became a symbol of India’s achievements in space.
Air Marshal Arjan Singh, 1965
Air Marshal Arjan Singh led the Indian Air Force during the 1965 Indo-Pak War as Chief of the Air Staff. His leadership during the conflict earned him a place among India’s most distinguished military aviators.
He later became the first and only IAF officer to receive the five-star rank of Marshal of the Air Force.
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Biju Patnaik, 1947
Biju Patnaik was a pilot before entering politics and undertook dangerous flying missions during World War II. During the 1947 war, he flew the first wave of Indian troops into Srinagar as Indian forces moved to defend Kashmir.
Patnaik was also involved in a covert mission to Jakarta, where he flew through a blockade to rescue Indonesian freedom fighters.
