New Delhi: The IAF Tejas fighter jet pilot died in an air crash during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday afternoon. The IAF fighter jet sending a plume of thick black smoke over Al Maktoum International Airport as crowds looked on.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed the pilot died in the crash. The pilot was identified as Wing Commander Namansh Syal. According to the IAF statement, IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. Indian Air Force 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 aircraft a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited went down at around 2:10 pm local time Visuals from the crash site showed charred mangled remains of the crashed jet.

General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief, the Integrated Defence Staff said in a statement.

The crash occurred during the biennial Dubai Air Show, one of the world’s largest aviation exhibitions. The event has seen major announcements this week, including multi-billion-dollar aircraft orders by Emirates and Fly Dubai.

The Tejas is a 4.5-generation multi-role combat aircraft, built to perform air-defence missions, offensive air support, and close-combat operations. It is noted for being one of the lightest and smallest fighters in its class.

A key feature of the jet is its Martin-Baker zero-zero ejection seat, designed to allow pilots to eject safely even at zero altitude and zero speed such as during take-off, landing, or low-level manoeuvres. The system uses an explosive charge to blow off the canopy, thrust the pilot clear of the aircraft, and deploy parachutes to stabilise descent.

HAL in its statement said that HAL is deeply saddened by the loss of the courageous IAF pilot during the aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. HAL expresses its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot in the Tejas crash at the Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to his family. The nation stands with them, honouring his courage and service, said Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Deeply anguished at the loss of a brave and courageous IAF pilot during an aerial display in Dubai Air Show. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The nation stands firmly with the family in this tragic hour, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.