The pilot who saved flydubai flight FZ1073 has spoken for the first time since the attack that nearly brought down the plane. Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering in hospital in Abu Dhabi after his co-pilot stabbed him mid-flight on September 30.

Machchhar, seen with bandages on his head and hands, broke down during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. He told Modi he was his “biggest idol” and said he had recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the attack. Modi praised his bravery and said his presence of mind saved lives.

The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight carried 174 people. The co-pilot attacked Machchhar in an alleged attempt to crash the jet. The plane plunged nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, according to Reuters.

Despite his injuries, Machchhar forced himself up and opened the cockpit door. Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker, and two reserve pilots landed the jet in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar was later airlifted to Abu Dhabi and is in stable condition.

Modi said on X that Machchhar had “prevented another 9/11-like attack.” He also spoke with the pilot’s mother, Geeta Ben.