'Dedicated pilot': IAF pays tribute to Wing Commander Syal after fatal Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show

The Indian Air Force has paid tribute to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, remembering him as a dedicated fighter pilot who served with “unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unyielding sense of duty,” after he was killed in a Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show on Friday.

In its statement, the IAF said, “A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unyielding sense of duty. His dignified persona earned him immense respect through a life devoted to service, and was visible in the send-off attended by UAE officials, colleagues, friends, and the officials of the Indian Embassy. The IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honours his legacy of courage, devotion and honour. May his service be remembered with gratitude.”

Crash during aerial display

The Tejas went down around 3.40 pm IST during a low-altitude manoeuvre over Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. Video clips showed the aircraft suddenly losing height and plunging into the ground before erupting in flames, sending a plume of black smoke over the runway. Spectators, including families with children, watched in horror from behind the fenced viewing area.

The IAF confirmed that Syal, in his mid-30s and a native of Himachal Pradesh, suffered fatal injuries.

A court of inquiry has been ordered to establish what caused the crash. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which manufactures the LCA, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of the “courageous IAF pilot.”

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National leaders pay tribute

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Syal as a “brave and courageous IAF pilot” and offered condolences to his family. Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan said the armed forces stand firmly with the bereaved.

Political leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, also expressed their grief and acknowledged his service.

Eyewitnesses highlight heroism

Some eyewitnesses said the pilot appeared to try to steer the aircraft away from the crowd.

Indian expat Shajudheen Jabbar told Gulf News, “From the way the flight turned before it went down, I strongly feel the pilot tried to save the spectators. It’s so unfortunate that he couldn’t escape.”

Local resident Winston Lobo said he felt the impact from his home. “I heard a loud bang. I honestly thought piles of pipes had tumbled down. The jet went down very close to our area,” he said.

Syal’s village, Patiyalkar in Kangra district, has been plunged into grief. He is survived by his parents, his wife — who also serves in the Air Force — and their six-year-old daughter. Heart-rending scenes were reported from the family home as relatives and neighbours gathered to mourn.

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His mortal remains reached Sulur Air Force Station near Coimbatore and will be flown to Gaggal Airport in Kangra for cremation. His alma mater, Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, held a special prayer meeting, with teachers and alumni recalling him as an exceptional student, athlete and captain of Chenab House.

Second Tejas crash in under two years

The Tejas, a home-grown light combat aircraft that has been operational since 2016, is a key part of the IAF’s fleet. Friday’s accident is the second Tejas crash in less than two years; in March 2024, another jet went down near Jaisalmer, though the pilot ejected safely.