Captain Smit Machchhar's 'muscle memory' helped him avert tragedy after being stabbed, says doctor

A Mumbai doctor and neighbour of flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar said the pilot may have relied on “muscle memory” to regain control of the aircraft after being stabbed by the co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Machchhar, who has been hailed for preventing a possible tragedy, was seriously injured in the incident. According to his friend and neighbour Jinit Shah, a urologist, the pilot’s training and experience may have helped him respond quickly in an emergency and protect the passengers.

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“Smit is a really nice person, a kind-hearted one and a very mature person,” said Shah, a urologist and a neighbour of the pilot's family in Mumbai's Ghatkopar area.

“I have been in touch with him since a long time, but recently he shifted to Dubai, so I was not in touch on a regular basis. But we spoke whenever he came to meet his parents in the building.

“Smit is a caring father and a very responsible person. He has a family of four, including two kids,” Shah said.

Also Read: Captain Smit Machchhar saved us from another 9/11: PM Modi hails injured Flydubai pilot, says 'entire world is proud of him'

Shah said Machchhar is known for making quick decisions and has experience in pilot training. He also runs his own academy, which may have helped him draw on his knowledge and training during the emergency.

“Because of muscle memory, he might have been able to handle the situation even after being stabbed and save 174 lives,” he said.

Muscle memory refers to the ability to perform a physical movement almost automatically after repeated practice and training. In an emergency, such learned responses can allow a person to act quickly without consciously processing every movement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised Machchhar for his actions during the incident.

“Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO,” Modi wrote on X. “In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.” He added, “India is proud of Captain Machchhar.”