A new close-up video from the Dubai Airshow has revealed the tense final seconds before the Tejas fighter jet crashed, killing Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The footage shows the aircraft attempting sharp turns before suddenly losing control and falling straight to the ground. Moments later, a massive fireball erupts, marking one of the most tragic moments in the Tejas program’s 25-year history.
New Video Shows Tejas in Its Final Dive
The new zoomed-in footage shows the Tejas LCA Mk-1 flying at low altitude as the pilot tries to complete an aerobatic turn. The jet makes a few quick manoeuvres and then suddenly drops, disappearing behind a plume of smoke as it hits the ground. Seconds later, flames engulf the crash site.
Witnesses say the aircraft appeared steady moments before it plunged. The video has raised fresh questions about what caused the loss of control during the stunt.
Pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal Dies in Crash
Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 37, was flying the Tejas at the Dubai Airshow’s final-day display when the crash took place. He was known for his sharp flying skills and passion for aerobatics.
Earlier visuals showed him at the event with senior dignitaries, including Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, India’s Envoy to the UAE Deepak Mittal, and Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R Mahajan.
It is unclear at what point during the airshow the earlier video was recorded.
Pilot’s Background and Family
Wing Commander Syal was from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. He is survived by his wife, who also serves in the Indian Air Force, their six-year-old daughter, and his parents. The IAF community and the pilot fraternity across India mourned the loss deeply.
Experts Give Possible Reasons for the Crash
Defence expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retd.) spoke about possible technical reasons behind the crash. He said a pilot may lose control if gravitational forces become too high during sharp turns.
Captain Gaur said, “Pilots wear a G-suit so that the blood does not pool in their legs; there might have been an issue with that. What exactly happened can only be determined once the cockpit data is retrieved. I express my condolences to the family of the pilot.”
The Indian Air Force has already ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause.
A Tragic Moment for India’s Tejas Program
This crash marks the second Tejas accident in 25 years and the first one involving a pilot fatality. The Tejas program is a major part of India’s indigenous defence capability, and the incident has led to renewed concerns about fighter-jet safety during high-intensity aerobatic displays.
