WASHINGTON, D.C. — The pilot who fought off a terrorist hijacker and co-pilot, despite being seriously wounded, is being honored by a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers.

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, joined by Reps. Michael McCaul and Don Bacon, introduced a resolution recognizing Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew and passengers of Flydubai Flight 1073.

Machchhar was piloting the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv when his co-pilot attacked him with a crash axe. According to investigators the terrorists goal was a "9/11 style attack against Israel"

The struggle caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly. Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and alert others aboard.

Passengers and crew members rushed in and subdued the attacker, while other pilots took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.

“Captain Machchhar is a hero. While gravely wounded, he fought off a terrorist attack and saved every soul on that plane, including 27 children and four Americans,” Gottheimer said.

The resolution condemns the attack, calls for a full investigation and recognizes the actions of the pilot, crew and passengers.

McCaul, who co-led the measure, praised Machchhar for his courage in helping prevent a potential aviation disaster.

The incident has also drawn praise from leaders in India, Israel and the United States. The congressional resolution seeks to formally recognize the crew and passengers whose actions helped bring the flight to a safe landing.