IAF Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Airshow, Pilot Namansh Syal Killed
An Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, resulting in the tragic death of pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
Key Takeaways
- IAF Tejas Mark-1 fighter jet crashed during a low-altitude demonstration.
- Pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, was killed.
- This marks the second Tejas crash since its induction into service a decade ago.
The Tragic Incident
The single-engine Tejas Mark-1 plunged directly into the ground during its display, erupting into flames and scattering debris across Al Maktoum International Airport. The crash occurred at approximately 2:10 PM local time after the aircraft reportedly failed to recover from a negative-G turn.
Pilot’s Final Moments
Before the fatal sortie, a widely circulated video captured Wing Commander Syal calmly interacting with defence officials. The experienced fighter pilot from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district appeared composed and prepared, smiling during pre-flight preparations.
Tejas Safety Record
This incident represents the second crash involving the lightweight, multi-role Tejas fighter since its induction into the IAF ten years ago. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and powered by a GE-F404 turbofan engine, the Tejas had previously experienced a crash near Jaisalmer on March 12 last year, though that pilot successfully ejected to safety.
Wing Commander Syal, unfortunately, did not share the same fate as his counterpart in the earlier incident.
