The global aviation community was shaken this week after a HAL Tejas light combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow 2025, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
The incident occurred on 21 November 2025 near Al Maktoum International Airport, during one of the most anticipated flight demonstrations of the show.
This article breaks down what happened, why the manoeuvre was risky, and what the crash means for the Tejas program and global military aviation.
What Happened During the Display?
During a planned aerobatic routine, the Tejas aircraft entered a low-altitude high-agility manoeuvre believed to involve a negative-G turn. Moments later, the jet lost altitude rapidly and impacted the ground, exploding into a fireball.
A widely circulated video shows the aircraft performing precision turns before suddenly dipping nose-down with almost no recovery margin. Smoke and flames followed upon impact.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the crash site, and the Indian Air Force confirmed that the pilot did not survive the crash.
The airshow suspended further flying displays for the day.
Who Was the Pilot?
The pilot was Wing Commander Namansh Syal, an experienced and respected IAF officer known for his aerobatic skill and operational flying experience.
He was part of the IAF’s team sent to Dubai specifically to showcase India’s indigenous light fighter.
His passing is being widely mourned among aviation professionals, pilots, and the Indian defence community.
Understanding the Risk: The Negative-G Manoeuvre
Early expert assessments point toward the negative-G manoeuvre as a possible factor in the loss of control.
What is a negative-G manoeuvre?
A negative-G manoeuvre occurs when the aircraft pushes downward so sharply that the pilot is lifted against the harness, instead of being pressed into the seat. This:
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reduces pilot control margin
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increases stress on the aircraft’s structure
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destabilizes fuel and fluid systems
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dramatically increases the risk at low altitude
Such manoeuvres are common in high-skill airshow displays, but they leave very little room for error, especially when performed close to the ground.
At low altitude, even a fraction of a second of instability can be fatal.
An official investigation will determine whether this manoeuvre played a direct role.
About the HAL Tejas: India’s Indigenous Fighter
The HAL Tejas is India’s light combat aircraft (LCA), developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with the goal of replacing older fighter fleets and positioning India as a growing player in the global fighter-jet market.
Key highlights of the Tejas program:
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Lightweight, single-engine, high-agility platform
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Designed for multi-role operations
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Advanced fly-by-wire system
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Composite-heavy airframe
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Seen as a symbol of India’s technological ambition
The aircraft had participated in airshows internationally before, and this demonstration was meant to strengthen its export appeal.
Impact on India’s Export Plans
The Dubai Airshow was a critical platform for the Tejas, as India has been actively marketing the jet to multiple countries.
This crash, while possibly an isolated event, presents challenges:
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It may temporarily shake buyer confidence
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Competing aircraft makers may use the incident to their advantage
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Analysts expect increased scrutiny on Tejas performance data
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Export negotiations may slow down until investigation results are released
HAL has already issued statements calling the crash an “isolated occurrence”, and maintains that all safety and performance standards remain intact.
Key Questions the Investigation Will Address
While speculation is common after airshow accidents, the official inquiry will look at:
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Was there any mechanical failure?
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Did flight control systems respond as expected?
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Did the pilot experience spatial disorientation or G-force effects?
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Was the manoeuvre within recommended safety margins?
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What altitude and speed were recorded at key moments?
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Did environmental conditions play a role?
Data from the aircraft’s onboard systems and external recordings will be vital.
Why This Incident Matters for Global Aviation
1. Airshow Safety is Under Renewed Scrutiny
Airshows are inherently high-risk — aircraft fly beyond operational norms to demonstrate capability. Incidents like this renew calls for safer height margins and restricted manoeuvres.
2. Indigenous Fighter Programs Face Public Pressure
The Tejas is a symbol of India’s national aerospace ambitions. A crash at a high-profile event amplifies global attention and criticism.
3. Lessons for Pilot Workload and Display Maneuvers
The incident will contribute to global research on:
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pilot G-tolerance
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low-altitude recovery dynamics
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display routine planning
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airshow risk mitigation
4. Industry Perception and Export Markets
Countries evaluating the Tejas will closely watch the investigation’s findings before making decisions.
Looking Ahead
Despite the tragic loss, military aviation history shows that aircraft programs evolve through such difficult moments. Investigations lead to improvements, new procedures, and safer flight envelopes.
HAL and the Indian Air Force will likely:
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review display manoeuvre guidelines
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make technical adjustments if needed
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update pilot safety protocols
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communicate findings transparently to international partners
The Tejas program is unlikely to be derailed — but it will undergo heightened evaluation in coming months.
Final Thoughts
The Dubai Tejas crash is a sobering reminder of the extreme risks military display pilots undertake to demonstrate national capabilities and inspire aviation communities worldwide.
Wing Commander Namansh Syal’s legacy will be remembered not only for his flying skill, but also for his contribution to the advancement of India’s indigenous aerospace efforts.
As the investigation progresses, AeroTribe will continue to provide updates, technical insights, and global aviation analysis.
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