Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a Ukrainian helicopter pilot, faced a life-threatening emergency during a UN mission in South Sudan. What began as a routine evacuation of injured soldiers turned into a harrowing gunbattle. Despite injuries, Muzyka successfully navigated the damaged helicopter to safety, highlighting the dangers of humanitarian missions in conflict areas and receiving post-mission recognition for bravery.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned helicopter pilot, faced a harrowing ordeal during a recent United Nations (UN) rescue mission in South Sudan. The 60-year-old Ukrainian, who has flown helicopters for 43 years, described how a routine operation quickly escalated into chaos when gunfire erupted during the evacuation of wounded soldiers in Nasir. Despite sustaining injuries himself, he managed to pilot the helicopter to safety, making this his most dramatic deployment to date.
With a background in military service, including involvement in Afghanistan, Captain Muzyka had experienced perilous situations before. However, the mission in South Sudan, which involved evacuating six injured soldiers including a general, proved to be particularly intense. Following the shoot-out that resulted in the death of a team member and numerous South Sudanese soldiers, Muzyka documented the chaos inside the cockpit with his phone, showing the grim reality they faced.
The conflict in South Sudan has deep roots, with a history of civil war and a fragile peace deal between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. The recent unrest in Nasir county, where local militias clashed with government troops, underscores the lingering distrust between factions. Captain Muzyka’s team was drawn into this conflict to rescue soldiers trapped by escalating violence.
On March 4th, as the team began boarding the helicopter, they unexpectedly came under fire. The line of fire led to immediate chaos, and as Muzyka recognized the situation, he acted decisively to take off. Despite being injured and with the helicopter sustaining damage from bullets, he maintained focus, operating just above the ground to avoid further hits as they flew towards Malakal airport.
The ordeal continued as the damaged aircraft faced further challenges while landing, including a malfunctioning front wheel. Ultimately, after 49 tense minutes in the air under fire, Captain Muzyka successfully landed the helicopter, allowing the crew and wounded passengers to receive medical attention. Tragically, the pilot’s flight attendant did not survive his injuries.
Following the mission, the Ukrainian Helicopters crew received a UN medal of honor for their bravery amidst the crisis. Captain Muzyka, now back in Ukraine, reflects on the ordeal while expressing concerns for relatives impacted by ongoing conflicts, including those in his homeland. He aspires for a future where “common sense will prevail in the world,” despite contemplating his retirement from flying.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s courageous actions during a UN rescue mission in South Sudan reflect the extreme challenges faced by personnel in conflict zones. From enduring gunfire to navigating a severely damaged helicopter, Muzyka’s experience illustrates the unpredictability and danger inherent in such operations. His return home signifies not only personal recovery but also a continued hope for peace in regions plagued by violence.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
