A Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show 2025, claiming the life of Wing Commander Naman Syal. A defence expert says the pilot may have lost control or blacked out due to G-forces as the IAF begins its inquiry.
A sequence of visuals shows an Indian Tejas fighter aircraft performing an aerial manoeuvre moments before crashing during a flying display at the Dubai Air Show. Thick smoke is seen rising from the crash site. The pilot lost his life in the incident. (ANI video grab)
A tragic accident at the Dubai Air Show 2025 on Friday claimed the life of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Naman Syal after a Tejas fighter aircraft crashed during an aerial display.
The IAF confirmed the pilot’s death and said a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine what led to the incident.
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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.”
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.”
A court of inquiry will determine the sequence of events and cause of the accident.
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.”
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