IAF Pilot Namansh Syal Dies in Tejas Crash During Dubai Air Show

Indian Air Force Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life after the Tejas fighter jet he was flying crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. The tragic accident happened near Al Maktoum International Airport, where the air show was being held.

Pilot Seen Meeting Indian Officials Before the Display

A video recorded before the crash shows Wing Commander Syal interacting with senior Indian representatives at the event. He was seen with:

• The Minister of State for Defence

• India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal

• Additional Secretary (Gulf), Aseem R Mahajan

Syal, who was 34 years old, belonged to Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh. He is survived by his wife — also an officer in the Indian Air Force — their six-year-old daughter, and his parents. His family members said he was humble, dedicated, and was expected to receive a promotion soon.

How the Accident Happened

The Tejas aircraft crashed around 2:10 pm local time during a flying demonstration. The fighter jet, a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, was performing aerobatic manoeuvres when the pilot reportedly lost control during a negative-G manoeuvre at a low altitude.

Videos from the air show captured the moment the aircraft descended sharply before crashing.

IAF Orders Inquiry Into the Crash

The Indian Air Force expressed deep grief over the loss of its pilot and announced that a court of inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the accident. The IAF stated that it stands firmly with the pilot’s family during this difficult time.

Second Tejas Crash in Two Years

This incident is the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft in under two years. In March last year, another Tejas jet crashed in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. That accident was the first in the aircraft’s 23-year history, and the pilot had safely ejected.

The Tejas is India’s indigenous light combat aircraft designed for agility and advanced performance, and it regularly participates in global air shows.