The sudden death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow 2025 has cast a shadow of grief over Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. The 34-year-old Indian Air Force pilot was flying the indigenous Tejas fighter when it crashed on Friday afternoon during an aerobatic segment of the international aviation event.

Crash Stuns Spectators at Global Airshow

Eyewitnesses at the Dubai show reported that the aircraft lost control moments after beginning its display. Videos from the scene captured the jet plummeting before erupting into a blaze, sending thick smoke into the air.

According to Khaleej Times, the jet “crashed into the ground soon after take-off,” with one onlooker saying, “As soon as the plane took off, it crashed. I am not sure which aircraft it was.” Another person told the outlet that emergency teams arrived swiftly: “It is all clear now… Within about 45 minutes, the entire incident was taken care of.”

Gulf News noted that the programme was briefly halted as firefighters secured the area.

IAF Confirms Fatality; Probe Ordered

The Indian Air Force later issued an official statement acknowledging the loss of its officer, “An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai airshow. 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 is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

The mishap is the second involving the Tejas fighter since its induction into the Air Force in 2016.

A Distinguished Officer From Kangra

Wing Commander Syal belonged to Patialakad (also known as Patiyalkar) village in Nagrota Bagwan. A Sainik School, Sujanpur Tira alumnus, he was commissioned into the Air Force on 24 December 2009 and had built a reputation for discipline and dedication.

He leaves behind his wife, an IAF officer herself, their six-year-old daughter, and his parents.

Family Was Away at the Time of the Crash

His father, Jagan Nath, a retired Army Medical Corps veteran who later served as a school principal in the state’s education department, was in Hyderabad with his wife when the tragedy occurred. Their home in Kangra had been closed for several days.

A relative, Ramesh Kumar, described the family’s situation, stating, “Namansh Syal’s parents are currently at the Sulur Air Force Station near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. His wife, who also serves in the IAF, is in Kolkata for a course… The entire village is very sad today.”

Speaking with deep emotion, he added, “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.”

Village Gathers in Grief

As word spread, neighbours and relatives assembled outside the locked house in Nagrota Bagwan, many sitting together by a fire late into the night. Shock and disbelief were evident across Kangra valley.

His uncle, Joginder Nath Syal, recounted how he found out about the crash: “We received information about the crash around 5:00 pm, when his father called me and told me to watch the news. People of the village have gathered here and all are very sad…”

Political Leaders Express Condolences

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the state and the nation had lost a courageous and committed officer. Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur also described the incident as deeply distressing.

Ongoing Inquiry and Previous Tejas Incident

The Dubai accident occurred on the final day of an airshow featuring participants from over 150 nations. A similar Tejas crash took place in March 2024 near Jaisalmer during a training mission, though that pilot survived after ejecting safely.

Investigators are now reconstructing the sequence of events that led to Friday’s fatal descent.

Awaiting Funeral Arrangements

Plans for Wing Commander Syal’s final rites will be announced once official formalities are completed and his remains are brought home.