Initial investigations and eyewitness accounts suggest that the aircraft lost stability while executing a negative-G turn or roll at an extremely low altitude; lacking sufficient altitude to recover; it impacted the ground and exploded in close proximity to the runway.[9][10]
IAF officials confirmed the loss of the pilot and announced the initiation of a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the crash.[11][12]
This marked the second accident in the 23-year history of the Tejas program and the first to result in a fatality.[13]
He was born to Jagan Nath and Bina Devi. His father is a retired Army officer who later served as a principal in the Himachal Pradesh Education Department. His wife is an IAF officer, and the couple has a daughter.[16]
At the time of the incident, his parents were in Hyderabad visiting him and his family. Local authorities and the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister expressed condolences, noting his contribution and dedication to the service.[16]
Background
Tejas is a single-engine, delta wing fighter developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a long-term indigenous programme aimed at modernising the IAF's capabilities.
The jet was showcasing India's indigenous 4.5 generation, multirole combat aircraft capabilities at the international event.[17]
Incident
The Dubai Air Show, held from November 17 to November 21, 2025, featured over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 180 aircraft. The IAF participated in the event with its Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and the Tejas Mk-1 fighter jet. The day of the crash, Friday, November 21, was the final day of the show, and the Tejas crashed moments before completing its final display. Days prior to the incident, a controversy had erupted on social media regarding an alleged oil leak from the Tejas aircraft. The Government of India and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) refuted this claim, clarifying that the fluid visible in the video was actually condensed water discharged from the aircraft's Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS), a normal occurrence in high-humidity environments.[18]
At 2 pm, the aircraft took off from the runway for its scheduled solo display. Between 2:05 pm and 2:09 pm, the aircraft performed various complex maneuvers, including loops, rolls, and high-speed passes. At 2:10 pm, the aircraft attempted a low-level roll. During this maneuver, the aircraft was executing a negative G-force turn. Suddenly, at 2:10:30 pm, the aircraft failed to maintain its Angle of Attack and entered a steep vertical nose-dive. At 2:11 pm, the aircraft slammed into an open area near the runway at Al Maktoum Airport, instantly erupting into a massive fireball. By 2:12 pm, plumes of black smoke filled the sky, sirens began wailing across the airport, and emergency services rushed toward the scene. At 2:15 pm, all flight operations at the Airshow were temporarily suspended, and spectators were evacuated to a safe distance. At 4:30 pm, the Indian Air Force officially confirmed via X the death of the pilot and the constitution of a Court of Inquiry.
Analysis of eyewitness accounts and video footage reveals that the aircraft was at an altitude of less than 500 feet (150m) when it lost control. The Tejas utilizes a delta-wing configuration, which, while highly stable at high speeds, is prone to energy bleed when turning at lower speeds. Video footage indicates that the pilot attempted to level the aircraft until the very last moment.[19][20]
Investigation
IAF officials announced the formation of a court of inquiry to investigate the accident.[21]
"The reasons could be mechanical. The reason could be the malfunction of fly-by-wire or any control surface. The sabotage angle would also be looked at by the court of inquiry team. The FDR and CVR would be extracted... At this stage, to speculate and to say what could have gone wrong is incorrect, and to have lost a brother in arms is very sad."
Reactions
The IAF released a statement expressing grief over the loss of life and stating their support for the pilot’s family. The crash drew attention to the risks involved in demonstration flights at air shows.[12]
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences on X, stating that he was "deeply saddened by the loss of our brave IAF pilot" and extended his sympathies to the pilot's family.[22][23]
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan also issued a statement expressing deep regret over the accident, noting that the Indian Armed Forces stand firmly with the bereaved family and mourn the loss of the pilot.[24][25]
The US F-16 demo team cancelled its final performance out of respect for Syal.[26] Additionally, the Russian Knights aerobatics team performed the 'Missing Man' manoeuvre to honour the IAF pilot.[27]
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