The article details Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s perilous helicopter rescue mission in South Sudan, where he was shot but successfully landed amid gunfire. The operation highlighted the chaos of ongoing conflict, resulting in the loss of crew member Sergii Prykhodko. Recognized for their bravery with a UN medal, Muzyka contemplates retirement but remains hopeful for peace.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a 60-year-old Ukrainian pilot, recently experienced a harrowing helicopter rescue mission in South Sudan. As he prepared to retire after 43 years of flying, the mission turned chaotic when he was ambushed at a military base in Nasir. Despite being shot in the arm, Muzyka expertly maneuvered the damaged helicopter to safety, marking this operation as the most impactful of his career, surpassing even dangerous assignments during his military service.
The UN had contracted Ukrainian Helicopters to evacuate six injured soldiers, including a general, amid deteriorating relations in the region. Tensions erupted when the White Army, a militia group, attacked the army base. Following an earlier successful extraction, Muzyka’s team was called back to assist as fighting broke out unexpectedly during boarding, resulting in confusion and chaos. Muzyka thus utilized his military training to make an emergency take-off as gunfire erupted around him.
Under fire, the helicopter endured significant damage, yet Muzyka maintained control, flying as low as possible to reach Malakal airport. The flight, marked by rising temperatures on crucial systems, posed a constant risk of crash-landing. His crew assisted with medical care, including a tourniquet for his wound while simultaneously searching for emergency landing areas. As they neared the airport, the aircraft faced further challenges with a blocked front wheel, but Muzyka succeeded in landing after 49 minutes of perilous flying.
Despite safely landing and providing immediate medical attention to his crew and passengers, they mourned the loss of flight attendant Sergii Prykhodko, who succumbed to his injuries during the mission. The crew was later honored with a UN medal for their bravery, while the UN remarked the incident might be regarded as a war crime. Returning to Ukraine for medical care, Captain Muzyka remains hopeful for peace while contemplating retirement yet feels invigorated by his love for flying.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s recent rescue mission highlights the dangers faced by UN personnel in conflict zones. His experiences underscore the unpredictable and often deadly nature of rescue operations in regions like South Sudan, reflecting the ongoing complexities of peacekeeping efforts. Despite the tragic loss of crew member Sergii Prykhodko, the mission’s success emphasizes the bravery and skill of pilots like Muzyka, who continue to serve with dedication even in perilous circumstances.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
