2025 HAL Tejas Dubai Airshow crash

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

Industry	Aerospace and defense
Founded	December 23, 1940 (1940-12-23) in Bangalore, India
Headquarters	Bangalore , India
Products	HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, other military aircraft and aerospace components

2025 HAL Tejas Crash at Dubai Airshow

On 21 November 2025, a HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) belonging to the Indian Air Force crashed while performing a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow held at Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates. The aircraft became uncontrollable during aerobatic maneuvers and was completely destroyed. The pilot, IAF Wing Commander Namansh Syal, tragically lost his life in the incident. Despite this accident, other aerial performances continued for approximately two hours.

Initial investigations and witness accounts suggest the aircraft lost control while executing a negative-G turn or roll at an extremely low altitude, which did not allow sufficient time for recovery. This resulted in the plane impacting near the runway and catching fire. The Indian Air Force confirmed the fatality and launched a court of inquiry to establish the precise cause.

This event marks only the second mishap in the 23 years of the Tejas program and is its first fatal accident, underscoring the operational challenges faced during efforts to upgrade India’s air force with domestically produced fighter jets.

Pilot

The deceased pilot was Wing Commander Namansh Syal, aged 34, a respected officer from Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, known for his exemplary discipline and professional achievements within the IAF. He was educated at Sainik School Sujanpur Tira in Hamirpur district.

Syal was born to Jagan Nath, a retired Army personnel who also served as a principal in Himachal Pradesh’s Education Department, and Bina Devi. He was married to an IAF officer and had one daughter. At the time of the crash, his parents were visiting him in Hyderabad. Officials from local government and the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh publicly expressed their sympathies, honoring his commitment to duty.

Background

The Tejas is a single-engine, delta-wing fighter aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of a long-term indigenous initiative aimed at modernizing the capabilities of the Indian Air Force. This jet represented India’s advancement in 4.5 generation multirole combat aircraft technology showcased on an international platform.

Incident

The Dubai Air Show, held from November 17 to 21, 2025, featured over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 180 aircraft. The Indian Air Force participated with its Suryakiran Aerobatic Team alongside the Tejas Mk-1 fighter jet. On the show’s final day, November 21, the Tejas crashed just before completing its aerial demonstration.

In preceding days, social media circulated rumors about an oil leak from the Tejas; however, these claims were denied by both the Government of India and Press Information Bureau (PIB), explaining that the fluid observed was condensed water from the Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS), which is typical under conditions of high humidity.

At approximately 2 pm, the aircraft took off for its solo performance, executing intricate maneuvers such as loops and rolls until attempting a low-altitude roll at around 2:10 pm. During this negative G-force maneuver, it failed to sustain its Angle of Attack and entered a steep vertical dive. The crash occurred near Al Maktoum Airport runway at 2:11 pm, followed by a fire outbreak. Emergency responders acted swiftly; flight activities were halted and spectators evacuated. By 4:30 pm, the Indian Air Force confirmed Wing Commander Syal’s death and ordered a Court of Inquiry.

Eyewitnesses report that control was lost when the aircraft was flying below 500 feet. While the delta-wing design of Tejas provides stability at high speeds, it is susceptible to energy depletion during low-speed turning maneuvers. Video recordings show that the pilot made efforts to regain level flight until just before impact.

Investigation

A court of inquiry was established by IAF authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor indicated that potential causes might include mechanical failures, such as issues with the fly-by-wire system or control surfaces, and confirmed that sabotage would also be investigated. Both the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) are currently under examination. He cautioned against premature conclusions and expressed condolences for the tragic loss.

Reactions

The Indian Air Force conveyed its condolences and extended support to the pilot’s family, underscoring the inherent dangers involved in demonstration flights during air shows.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shared his sympathies on X, expressing profound sorrow over the pilot’s passing and offering heartfelt support to his loved ones.

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, expressed his condolences and solidarity with the bereaved family, lamenting the loss of the pilot.

During the repatriation of the pilot’s remains to India, the UAE Armed Forces paid tribute by presenting a guard of honour.

In a mark of respect, the US F-16 demonstration team withdrew from their concluding performance, while the Russian Knights aerobatic team executed the 'Missing Man' formation as a homage.