Dubai, Nov 22: The tragic crash of a Tejas fighter aircraft at the Dubai Air Show on Friday claimed the life of Wing Commander Namnash Syal, officials confirmed. The incident occurred during an aerial display, and despite efforts to recover, the pilot succumbed to fatal injuries.
Wing Commander Syal, hailing from Kangra district in Himachal Pradesh, was performing a negative G manoeuvre when the aircraft, already at a low altitude, reportedly went into a steep dive before crashing. Eyewitness Manoj Kumar Tuteja, who witnessed the crash, recalled, “He was already pretty low at that point, and then he recovered and went straight into the ground. A huge fireball followed, and it was extremely shocking. I’ve never felt this feeling ever in my life.”
The Dubai Media Office confirmed the crash, stating that firefighting and emergency teams were quickly on-site managing the situation. “A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today’s flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot,” the Dubai Media Office said in a statement.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu expressed his deep condolences, mourning the loss of the brave officer. “The news of the demise of Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district’s brave son Namnash 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,” CM Sukhu said. He paid tribute to the officer's courage and dedication to national service, offering his condolences to the family.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the tragic death and expressed its deepest regrets. “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,” the IAF said in its statement. The IAF has initiated a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, also expressed sorrow over the death. "General Anil Chauhan, CDS, and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family," a statement from the Integrated Defence Staff read.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, with officials, family, and fellow servicemen mourning the loss of a dedicated and courageous officer.
