IAF pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal dies in Dubai Airshow crash
Wing Commander Namansh Syal of the Indian Air Force lost his life on Friday when his Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Airshow.
The accident happened near Al Maktoum International Airport while he was performing a barrel roll; the jet didn't recover from its inverted position and went down, sending up thick black smoke.
Remembering Syal: skilled pilot and dedicated officer
The IAF has confirmed his passing.
Originally from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Syal was respected for his calm precision and professionalism in the cockpit.
He was flying India's homegrown HAL Tejas fighter, a symbol of the country's aerospace progress.
Tributes pour in
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called Syal a brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot.
His loss during such a major international event is being deeply felt by both the IAF and the nation.