Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: Indian Air Force identifies fallen pilot; experts points to possible G-force blackout

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force has confirmed that the pilot who lost his life after a Tejas fighter aircraft went down during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday (Nov 21) was Wg Cdr Naman Syal.

The accident occurred during an aerial display at one of the world’s largest aviation events, which has drawn major global participation this week.

Meanwhile, in an official statement, the Indian Air Force said, “IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”

A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.

Wg Cdr Syal belonged to Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. News of his death has left his home state in deep shock.

Himachal CM expresses grief over loss

Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the crash had claimed “the brave son of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh”.

“The news is profoundly saddening and heartbreaking. The nation has lost a courageous, dutiful, and valiant pilot. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. I bow with heartfelt reverence to the indomitable bravery, dedication, and commitment to national service of the valiant son, Shri Naman Syal,” he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, speaking to news agency ANI, his uncle Joginder Nath Sayal said, “I got a call from my brother around 3pm, and he told me about the crash… He was my brother’s son. He got married in 2014 and has a daughter…”

Another relative, Ramesh Kumar, also expressed the family’s shock. “He’s my brother-in-law… He was supposed to get a promotion. At 34, he was a squadron leader. He was a very humble man. The entire village is sad,” he said.

HAL extends condolences; Tejas crash record revisited

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the Tejas light combat aircraft, said it was “deeply saddened” by the incident. “HAL expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” the company said.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also responded to the incident, saying, “This is unfortunate. It is a matter of investigation. No comments can be made until the complete investigation.”

This marks the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft, the first having occurred near Jaisalmer in 2024.

‘Pilot lost control or suffered G-force blackout,’ says defence expert

The IAF confirmed the pilot’s death and said a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine what led to the incident.

Expert points to possible high-G blackout

Defence expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retd), speaking to news agency ANI, said early impressions from the crash video suggested that the aircraft may have lost control during a manoeuvre. He added that pilots can experience blackouts during high-G turns, which momentarily restrict blood flow to the brain.

“It is sad that our Tejas jet was crashed during the Dubai air show and our brave pilot lost his life. From the visuals, it seems that the jet lost control during the acrobatics, or there might have been a pilot blackout. Blackout here means the excessive gravitational force,” he said.

Explaining the role of a G-suit, he added, “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.”

IAF confirms pilot’s death, orders inquiry

The Indian Air Force said the Tejas was performing an aerial display when it went down and burst into flames. In a statement, the IAF said, “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the 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.”

Eyewitnesses describe the moment of the crash

Local media outlets reported that the aircraft crashed moments after take-off. Photos and videos circulating online showed plumes of dense black smoke rising from the site.

Khaleej Times quoted one witness as saying, “As soon as the plane took off, it crashed. I am not sure which aircraft it was.”

Incident occurs amid India’s defence outreach at Dubai Air Show

The tragedy unfolded during a week in which India was showcasing its indigenous aviation capabilities at the Dubai Air Show.

On Nov 19, India and Germany renewed their high-tech defence partnership after nearly three decades, marked by a major contract between HAL and the German state-supported sensor firm HENSOLDT. - The Statesman/ANN