Heroic Ukrainian Pilot Survives Gunfire In Daring South Sudan Rescue Mission.
A Ukrainian helicopter pilot has recounted his dramatic escape under heavy gunfire while evacuating wounded soldiers in South Sudan.
Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a 60-year-old pilot with over four decades of experience, never imagined his final mission before retirement would resemble a Hollywood action film. What was meant to be a routine UN operation earlier this month turned into the most perilous flight of his career.
A Mission Turns Deadly
Captain Muzyka, who has flown in conflict zones from Afghanistan to Somalia, was tasked with extracting injured soldiers from a military base in Nasir, Upper Nile State, South Sudan. The base had been overrun by the White Army militia, intensifying tensions in the region.
After successfully completing one evacuation on 6 March, his crew returned the following day for a second mission. However, as they prepared to board the wounded, gunfire erupted. In the chaos, a bullet struck Captain Muzyka’s left arm, and his flight attendant, Sergii Prykhodko, was fatally wounded.
Realising they were under attack, Captain Muzyka relied on his military instincts. “Shooting started from all sides,” he recalled. “I immediately decided to take off.”
Escape Under Fire
As the helicopter lifted off, bullets continued to strike the aircraft, puncturing its fuel tanks and damaging key systems. Despite the severe damage, the captain managed to maintain control, flying just 100 metres above the ground to minimise the risk of a crash.
A video filmed inside the cockpit revealed blood-smeared controls, shattered windows, and injured crew members. Despite his own injury, Captain Muzyka focused on reaching Malakal airport, a flight that took 49 tense minutes.
His flight engineer improvised a tourniquet using his shirt to stop the bleeding, while the co-pilot, also injured, endured pain from plastic splinters. The aircraft, riddled with over 20 bullet holes, had a damaged front wheel, making landing even more challenging. Yet, Captain Muzyka executed a safe landing, bringing his crew and passengers to safety.
Loss and Recognition
Tragically, Mr Prykhodko, 41, succumbed to his injuries before medical assistance could save him. “We couldn’t believe it,” Captain Muzyka said, mourning his fallen colleague.
The bravery of the Ukrainian Helicopters crew was later recognised at a UN ceremony, where they were awarded medals of honour. The UN head of mission condemned the attack, stating it “may constitute a war crime under international law.”
A Veteran’s Final Flight
For Captain Muzyka, this harrowing mission was unlike any other in his long career. Reflecting on the experience, he admitted it felt surreal, as though “maybe I’m sleeping.”
Now back in Ukraine for treatment, he hopes for a future where “common sense will prevail in the world.” Though retirement is imminent, he still feels young—because, as he puts it, “I can fly.”
