Tragedy Strikes Dubai Airshow: IAF Pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal Killed in Tejas Crash
 

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A new two-minute, three-second video of the Tejas fighter jet crash has surfaced online. The footage captures the final moments of the aircraft and the wing commander Namansh Syal’s efforts to manoeuvre it before it hits the ground. The incident occurred at the Dubai Airshow on 21 November 2025 when the commander was performing a low-level aerobatic move with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1). 

Eyewitness Accounts and Last-Minute Manoeuvres
 

New eyewitness videos and personal accounts have emerged regarding the fatal crash. One visitor mentioned that the jet completed two or three laps during its performance. The aircraft was seen executing a negative-G turn and transitioning into a roll at very low altitude.

Spectators watched as the jet lost altitude and descended sharply. The descent rate was too high for a timely recovery after the barrel roll was completed. The Light Combat Aircraft had flown for about eight or nine minutes before the crash.

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One witness, a real estate advisor, captured a detailed visual of the final moments as the plane nosedived. Many thought the pilot would pull up the jet, but he could not recover it. The aircraft slammed into the ground, exploding in a fiery crash near the runway.

Investigation Launched: Court of Inquiry to Determine Cause
 

In an official statement, the Indian Air Force shared, “An IAf Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow 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.” It further conveyed that, “A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

“His dignified persona earned him immense respect through a life devoted to service, and was visible in the send-off attended by the UAE officials. Colleagues, friends, and the officials of the Indian Embassy.”

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Defence experts speculate that the possible reasons could include pilot control loss, while others consider G-force blackout during the aggressive maneuver to be the likely cause. The inquiry team will look at factors, including mechanical failure and malfunction of the fly-by-wire system.

Data from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) will be key in this investigation. HAL has also stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation. The findings will influence future operational protocols and the LCA program's future.