IAF pays tribute to Wing Commander Syal after fatal Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show – Firstpost

The Indian Air Force has paid tribute to Wing Commander Naman Syal, who was killed in the Tejas fighter jet crash at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, remembering him as a dedicated fighter pilot who served with “unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and a strong sense of duty”.

In its statement, the IAF said, “A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unwavering sense of duty. His dignified personality earned him great respect through a life dedicated to service, and was reflected in the farewell bid by UAE officials, colleagues, friends and Indian Embassy officials. The IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honors his legacy of courage, devotion and honour. Does. His service will be missed.” Gratitude.”

accident during air show

The Tejas went down around 3.40 pm IST during low altitude maneuvers at Dubai World Central’s Al Maktoum International Airport. The video clip shows the plane suddenly losing altitude and falling to the ground before bursting into flames, sending a plume of black smoke onto the runway. Spectators, including families with children, watched in horror from behind a fenced viewing area.

The Indian Air Force confirmed that Sayal, in his mid-30s and a native of Himachal Pradesh, suffered fatal injuries.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to find out what caused the accident. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which manufactures the LCA, expressed deep grief over the demise of the “courageous Indian Air Force pilot”.

National leaders paid tribute

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh described Sial as a “brave and courageous Indian Air Force pilot” and expressed condolences to his family. Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan said that the armed forces stand firmly with the bereaved people.

Political leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, also expressed grief and acknowledged his service.

Eyewitnesses shed light on heroism

Some witnesses said the pilot appeared to be trying to steer the plane away from the crowd.

“The way the flight turned before going down, I strongly feel that the pilot tried to save the spectators. It is very unfortunate that he could not survive,” Indian expatriate Shajudeen Jabbar told Gulf News.

Local resident Winston Lobo said he felt the impact on his home. “I heard a loud bang. I honestly thought a bunch of pipes had fallen down. The jet touched down very close to our area,” he said.

Patialkar village of Syal in Kangra district is immersed in mourning. He is survived by his parents, his wife – who also serves in the Air Force – and their six-year-old daughter. Heartbreaking scenes emerged from the family home as relatives and neighbors gathered to mourn.

His mortal remains reached Sulur Air Force Station near Coimbatore and will be flown to Kangra’s Gaggal airport for the last rites. His alma mater, Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, organized a special prayer meeting in which teachers and alumni remembered him as an exceptional student, athlete and captain of Chenab House.

Second Tejas crash in less than two years

Tejas, an indigenous light combat aircraft that has been operational since 2016, forms a significant part of the Indian Air Force’s fleet. Friday’s accident is the second Tejas accident in less than two years; In March 2024, another jet crashed near Jaisalmer, although the pilot ejected safely.