Tejas Fighter Jet Seen Descending, Bursting Into Flames At Dubai Air Show | Video

Last Updated:November 22, 2025, 12:07 IST

Tejas fighter jet crashed at Dubai Air Show during a stunt, killing Wing Commander Namansh Syal of Himachal Pradesh.

The incident occurred at Al Maktoum Airport, where thousands had gathered to watch the high-profile air show (Instagram)

Another video has emerged on social media platforms showing the moment Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, appearing to lose control during the stunt and bursting into a ball of flames.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who was flying the aircraft, died in the tragic incident.

The aircraft is captured in a sharp climb, with a trail of white vapour streaming from its engine. Moments later, the jet went down, and a huge plume of black smoke and fire rose from the crash site.

The incident occurred at Al Maktoum Airport, where thousands had gathered to watch the high-profile air show. As per the now viral video, spectators jumped to their feet as the jet went down, many instinctively recording the scene on their mobile phones as emergency sirens rang out across the airfield.

As per preliminary reports, the aircraft — a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was performing a negative-G turn as part of its aerobatic routine. The aircraft then attempted to transition into a roll manoeuvre. However, it was flying at a very low altitude, limiting the pilot’s ability to recover.

During the manoeuvre, the jet appeared to lose additional altitude. After completing the barrel roll, the aircraft managed to level its wings, but its vertical descent rate had become too high to arrest. Within seconds, the Tejas struck the ground with force and exploded.

“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 constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF said in its statement posted on X.

Who Was Wing Commander Namansh Syal?

The young officer, who hailed from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district and was known for his professionalism and calm precision in the cockpit, was flying India’s indigenously built Tejas during a high-profile aerobatic display when the tragedy struck.

The 34-year-old pilot is reportedly survived by his wife, also an Indian Air Force officer, their six-year-old daughter, and his parents.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed grief over the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, calling it “heartbreaking and heart-rending."

“The nation has lost a brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family members," he wrote on X.

“I pay heartfelt tribute to the indomitable bravery, dedication to duty, and commitment to national service of brave son," Sukhu added.

News world Tejas Fighter Jet Seen Descending, Bursting Into Flames At Dubai Air Show | Video

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