Courage Under Fire: Captain Serhiy Muzyka’s Harrowing Rescue Mission in South Sudan
Veteran pilot Captain Serhiy Muzyka recently endured a perilous rescue mission in South Sudan, which escalated into a shoot-out, injuring him and claiming the life of a crew member. The operation involved evacuating wounded soldiers amid rising tensions in the region. Despite sustaining injuries, Muzyka successfully landed the helicopter, showcasing the risks involved in humanitarian missions in conflict areas.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a veteran helicopter pilot from Ukraine, recently experienced a near-fatal rescue mission in South Sudan that turned into a harrowing ordeal. Having served 43 years in military and civilian aviation, Muzyka faced gunfire during what began as a routine operation for the United Nations. The mission involved evacuating wounded soldiers from a military base when chaos erupted, resulting in the death of a crew member and many South Sudanese soldiers. Miraculously, despite sustaining injuries himself, Captain Muzyka successfully maneuvered his damaged helicopter to safety.
The incident unfolded earlier this month as tensions escalated in South Sudan, where the UN Peacekeepers are working to maintain a fragile peace after years of civil conflict. Muzyka’s mission, originally focused on rescuing six injured personnel including a general, quickly descended into chaos when gunfire broke out. Amidst the panic, the pilot was shot in the arm while witnessing the tragic loss of his flight attendant, Sergii Prykhodko. Utilizing his military training, Muzyka made the split-second decision to take off while bullets struck their aircraft.
Navigating the helicopter under hostile conditions, Captain Muzyka faced critical challenges, including damaged systems and punctured fuel tanks during the flight. The crew worked together to manage injuries and navigate back to safety, flying low to reduce the risk of crash landing. Despite their harrowing experience with over 20 gunshot holes in the helicopter’s fuselage, the captain managed to land in Malakal 49 minutes later, a feat that brought a momentary sense of relief amidst the trauma.
Regrettably, the mission’s success was overshadowed by the death of Mr. Prykhodko, prompting deep grief among the crew as they returned home. Following the incident, which could potentially be classified as a war crime, the Ukrainian Helicopters team received commendations, including the UN medal of honor. Captain Muzyka has since returned to Ukraine for recovery and family time and remains hopeful for a future where peace prevails in conflict zones like South Sudan.
The ordeal faced by Captain Serhiy Muzyka highlights the dangers that pilots encounter during humanitarian missions, particularly in conflict zones. Despite sustaining significant injuries, the successful completion of the evacuation mission underscores the bravery and dedication of those working under extreme conditions. The incident sheds light on the ongoing instability in South Sudan, reminding the international community of the challenges faced in maintaining peace and security.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
