Smoke billows following a crash of the Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Air Show, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 21, 2025, in this screengrab obtained from an eyewitness video. Image/Reuters
Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a decorated Indian Air Force fighter pilot from Himachal Pradesh, died when a Tejas LCA crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Air Show on Friday. The tragedy stunned spectators, triggered a Court of Inquiry, and left his family and home village in deep grief
Indian Air Force Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life when his Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed during a flight demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday.
The accident occurred during an aerobatic sequence on the concluding day of the exhibition, abruptly ending what was meant to be a showcase of India’s indigenous fighter jet.
Eyewitness videos broadcast on television networks showed the fighter entering what appeared to be a steep dive before striking the ground and erupting into a fireball.
The crash took place around 3:40 pm IST, at a time when thousands were still present at the airfield.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the death of Wing Commander Syal shortly afterward.
Source:First Post