This article explores Captain Muzyka's harrowing experience evacuating wounded soldiers from South Sudan amidst a deadly shoot-out, showcasing his bravery and skill under pressure.
Heroic Helicopter Pilot’s Daring Rescue Under Fire in South Sudan
Heroic Helicopter Pilot’s Daring Rescue Under Fire in South Sudan
A gripping recount of Captain Serhiy Muzyka's life-threatening evacuation mission amidst gunfire.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a seasoned helicopter pilot with a 43-year career, found himself in the middle of a conflict during his final deployment in South Sudan. The 60-year-old has a storied background, having served in the Ukrainian army for two decades and working internationally as a private contractor in high-risk locations, including a challenging rescue mission in Somalia back in 2015.
However, nothing compared to the dramatic events of this month when a seemingly routine UN operation shifted into chaos at a military base in Nasir. What was intended to be a straightforward evacuation of six injured soldiers, including a general, turned lethal as sudden gunfire erupted. Tragically, this incident resulted in the loss of a crew member and over two dozen South Sudanese soldiers.
In a harrowing situation, Captain Muzyka was shot in the arm but managed to pilot the damaged helicopter away from danger. His footage captured from the cockpit revealed the grim reality of their ordeal, with blood on his arm, shattered cockpit glass, and chaos surrounding them as they escaped.
The UN peacekeepers in South Sudan are currently engaged in fragile peace efforts in a nation teetering on the edge of a civil war, characterized by the ongoing strife between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. The relationship between their forces is strained, with recent skirmishes highlighting deep-rooted mistrust related to the slow progress of power-sharing agreements.
Muzyka described the attack's confusion, realizing they were under fire only after sustaining his injury. His extensive military training propelled him into action; he swiftly opted for take-off amidst the chaos, witnessing soldiers fall outside as he maneuvered the helicopter into the sky.
Despite sustaining damage to the aircraft and experiencing increased urgency during their flight to Malakal, Muzyka expertly navigated at low altitudes to reduce the risk of further attacks. His crew worked quickly to stop the bleeding from his injury, and with complications occurring, such as a blocked front wheel upon landing, he safely managed to land after nearly an hour of crisis-laden flying.
In the aftermath of their harrowing escape, the unfortunate demise of co-worker Sergii Prykhodko cast a pall over the crew’s hard-earned survival. Despite their odds-defiance under attack—a feat that garnered the UN’s medal of honor for their bravery—Muzyka grapples with the loss and the persistent danger facing his family back in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russian forces.
Now back in Ukraine, Muzyka reflects with both pride and sadness over his lengthy career, hopeful for a future where peace prevails, yet undecided about retirement, feeling young enough to continue flying.
However, nothing compared to the dramatic events of this month when a seemingly routine UN operation shifted into chaos at a military base in Nasir. What was intended to be a straightforward evacuation of six injured soldiers, including a general, turned lethal as sudden gunfire erupted. Tragically, this incident resulted in the loss of a crew member and over two dozen South Sudanese soldiers.
In a harrowing situation, Captain Muzyka was shot in the arm but managed to pilot the damaged helicopter away from danger. His footage captured from the cockpit revealed the grim reality of their ordeal, with blood on his arm, shattered cockpit glass, and chaos surrounding them as they escaped.
The UN peacekeepers in South Sudan are currently engaged in fragile peace efforts in a nation teetering on the edge of a civil war, characterized by the ongoing strife between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. The relationship between their forces is strained, with recent skirmishes highlighting deep-rooted mistrust related to the slow progress of power-sharing agreements.
Muzyka described the attack's confusion, realizing they were under fire only after sustaining his injury. His extensive military training propelled him into action; he swiftly opted for take-off amidst the chaos, witnessing soldiers fall outside as he maneuvered the helicopter into the sky.
Despite sustaining damage to the aircraft and experiencing increased urgency during their flight to Malakal, Muzyka expertly navigated at low altitudes to reduce the risk of further attacks. His crew worked quickly to stop the bleeding from his injury, and with complications occurring, such as a blocked front wheel upon landing, he safely managed to land after nearly an hour of crisis-laden flying.
In the aftermath of their harrowing escape, the unfortunate demise of co-worker Sergii Prykhodko cast a pall over the crew’s hard-earned survival. Despite their odds-defiance under attack—a feat that garnered the UN’s medal of honor for their bravery—Muzyka grapples with the loss and the persistent danger facing his family back in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russian forces.
Now back in Ukraine, Muzyka reflects with both pride and sadness over his lengthy career, hopeful for a future where peace prevails, yet undecided about retirement, feeling young enough to continue flying.
