The sculpture (AFP)
Indian sand artist creates sculpture honoring Flydubai pilot
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- The artwork was made on a beach in Puri, Odisha, on Oct. 1.
- Machchhar was hailed as a “hero” after an alleged attack by his co-pilot during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a sculpture on a beach in the eastern city of Puri on Thursday honoring Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar, who was hailed as a “hero” following an alleged cockpit attack during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
The sculpture depicted Machchhar, captain of Flydubai flight FZ 1073, after he reportedly fought to retain control of the aircraft when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him.
Machchhar was wounded in the incident but managed to maintain control of the aircraft, according to AFP.
Pattnaik's sculpture, created at a beach in Puri in India's Odisha state, came as Machchhar received public praise following the incident.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those who hailed Machchhar, calling him a “HERO” and saying his courage and determination helped protect the lives of those aboard the aircraft.
Read more: Flydubai pilot says he opened cockpit door while under attack: Reuters
