Captain Serhiy Muzyka experienced a life-threatening mission while evacuating soldiers in South Sudan. Sustaining an injury from gunfire, he successfully piloted the helicopter to safety despite the tumult. The operation highlighted ongoing tensions in South Sudan, underscoring the dangerous nature of peacekeeping efforts in the region. Tragically, his flight attendant was killed during the attack, casting a shadow over their courageous efforts.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a career spanning 43 years, recently encountered a life-threatening situation in South Sudan. His final deployment before retirement transformed from a routine United Nations operation to a perilous mission. Muzyka, a former Soviet army pilot, previously served in conflict zones across Afghanistan and Somalia but described the rescue operation in South Sudan as the most dramatic of his career.
During a mission to evacuate wounded soldiers from a military base in Nasir, gunfire erupted, leading to chaos and casualties, including the death of a crew member. Despite sustaining an arm injury, Captain Muzyka managed to pilot the damaged helicopter to safety, demonstrating extraordinary resilience under fire. His harrowing experience, captured in cellphone footage, revealed a scene reminiscent of an action film, with blood covering the cockpit and the windscreen shattered.
On the day of the shoot-out, Muzyka’s team, contracted by the UN, sought to evacuate six injured soldiers, including a general. The complicated backdrop involves ongoing tensions in South Sudan, where a fragile peace is jeopardized by mistrust and recent military movements. The clash at the Nasir base underscored the volatility of the region, where factions and fears of renewed civil war prevail.
Previously, the team successfully evacuated ten individuals, but the subsequent mission faced unexpected assault as the soldiers boarded. Captain Muzyka quickly realized the dire situation when he saw blood streaming from his arm and heard gunfire surrounding them. He adeptly initiated take-off while still under fire, with fellow soldiers falling outside the helicopter.
Navigating the damaged aircraft, Muzyka prioritized speed and altitude to mitigate risks during the flight to Malakal airport. His crew provided medical assistance, applying a makeshift tourniquet to his wound, while remaining vigilant for safe landing points. Each moment was critical as further assaults threatened the helicopter’s safety.
Upon reaching Malakal, Captain Muzyka adeptly maneuvered despite a blocked front wheel, landing the helicopter in a state of disbelief and relief. Tragically, his flight attendant, Sergii Prykhodko, succumbed to his injuries during the incident, leaving the crew grappling with loss. Capt Muzyka and his team were later honored for their bravery, with the UN indicating that the attack may constitute a war crime.
Following the traumatic event, Captain Muzyka has returned to Ukraine for medical treatment and to reunite with family. He expressed hope for a future marked by common sense and peace, acknowledging that while retirement looms, he still feels youthful and capable as a pilot.
The harrowing experience of Captain Serhiy Muzyka in South Sudan underscores the perilous realities faced by helicopter pilots and UN peacekeepers in conflict zones. His ability to navigate a life-threatening situation while sustaining injury showcases remarkable courage. The incident highlights the ongoing instability in South Sudan and calls into question the effectiveness of peace agreements. As the pilot recuperates, there remains a poignant reminder of the challenges and sacrifices made in pursuit of stability and humanitarian aid.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
