Captain Serhiy Muzyka, a 60-year-old Ukrainian helicopter pilot, found himself in the most harrowing mission of his career while evacuating wounded soldiers from a military base in Nasir, South Sudan. Contracted by the United Nations (UN) and working for Ukrainian Helicopters, Muzyka’s mission took a deadly turn when gunfire erupted, turning what was supposed to be a routine extraction into a fight for survival.
Having served 43 years as a helicopter pilot, including two decades in the Ukrainian military and stints in war zones such as Afghanistan and Somalia, Muzyka was no stranger to danger. However, the events of March 7, 2024, were unlike anything he had ever faced.
The mission was to airlift six injured soldiers, including a general, along with two UN negotiators. The day before, Muzyka and his crew had successfully extracted 10 people from the conflict zone. But as they returned the next day, chaos unfolded. As passengers boarded, gunfire broke out, killing over two dozen South Sudanese soldiers and a crew member, Sergii Prykhodko. Muzyka himself was shot in the arm.
With his military instincts kicking in, Muzyka quickly decided to take off despite the gunfire. The helicopter sustained multiple hits, including damage to the main gearbox and fuel tanks, yet he managed to steer it toward Malakal airport—an hour away. Flying at just 100 meters above the ground to prepare for an emergency landing, Muzyka and his crew fought to keep the aircraft airborne.
A video he filmed mid-flight captured the blood-covered cockpit, shattered windscreen, and visible injuries to himself and his co-pilot. The flight engineer used a makeshift tourniquet to stop Muzyka’s bleeding while scanning for emergency landing spots.
Upon reaching Malakal airport, the crew encountered further difficulties—a damaged front wheel from the attack. Despite this, Muzyka managed a successful landing after 49 tense minutes in the air. Tragically, Prykhodko succumbed to his injuries.
The UN honored Muzyka and his crew with medals of valor, recognizing their bravery. Now recovering in Ukraine, Muzyka remains hopeful for peace, knowing that, despite nearing retirement, he still has the spirit to fly.
