Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot flying the HAL Tejas at the Dubai Airshow 2025, died on Friday after the aircraft failed to recover from an inverted aerobatic manoeuvre and crashed near the runway.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, in his mid-30s, hailed from the scenic Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Known among colleagues as a disciplined, sharp-witted, and exceptionally skilled fighter pilot, Syal was handpicked for international aerobatic displays — a role reserved only for IAF’s most proficient aviators.

Who was Wing Commander Namansh Syal?

He represented the Indian Air Force across several global airshows, a testament to both his flying expertise and the confidence the IAF placed in him. Syal was flying the single-engine HAL Tejas during the Dubai Air Show 2025, showcasing India's indigenous fighter to the world.

According to the IAF, Syal was unable to eject before the aircraft hit the ground. His death was confirmed in a somber statement released hours after the crash.

What happened during crash?

Eyewitnesses said the Tejas was performing a planned aerobatic sequence — a loop followed by a barrel roll. The jet pulled up, flipped into an inverted position, and began descending, a phase where the aircraft typically regains altitude to complete the arc.

This time, however, the Tejas did not climb back.

Videos shared on social media showed the jet descending rapidly before erupting into a massive plume of black smoke. Aviation experts who reviewed the footage said the aircraft appeared to lose altitude and possibly speed during the inverted phase, leaving “no margin for correction.”

The crash marks only the second known Tejas accident. The first occurred in 2024 near Jaisalmer. Until Friday, the aircraft had maintained an impressive record at global airshows.

Analysts say Tejas crash raises serious questions for India’s defence industry

Families, aviation enthusiasts, and children attending the Dubai Air Show were seen scrambling for safety as smoke filled the air. Emergency teams rushed to contain the fire, preventing broader damage and ensuring no casualties on the ground.

Security forces quickly evacuated nearby exhibition zones, and firefighting units extinguished the blaze within minutes.

IAF statement

Shortly after confirming his death, the Indian Air Force issued the following statement:

“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief. A court of inquiry is being ordered to ascertain the causes of the accident.”

No additional casualties were reported.

Himachal CM Pays Tribute to Syal

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

“The news of the demise of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district’s brave son Naman Syal Ji in the Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show is extremely heartbreaking. The nation has lost a brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot,” he wrote on X.

He added that Syal’s dedication to national service and courage would always be remembered.

About the HAL Tejas fighter jet

The HAL Tejas is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is deployed by both the Indian Air Force and Navy and is used for:

Air defence
Ground attack
Maritime operations
Close combat support
Advanced training (twin-seat variant)

The latest LCA Mk1A variant includes:

AESA radar
Electronic warfare suite
Radar warning receivers
Smart multifunction displays
Modern avionics and radio systems