Who was Namansh Syal, IAF pilot killed in Tejas crash
What's the story
Wing Commander Namansh Syal of the Indian Air Force was killed in a tragic accident at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The indigenous Tejas fighter jet he was piloting crashed during a practice and demonstration flight on Friday afternoon local time. In a statement, the IAF said, "An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident."
Personal details
Wing Commander's background and family's current situation
Syal studied at Sainik School in Sujanpur Tira, Hamirpur district. He is survived by his wife, an IAF officer, his 6-year-old daughter, and his elderly parents. His father, Jagan Nath, is a retired Army officer and former principal in the Himachal Pradesh Education Department, and his mother, Bina Devi, was in Hyderabad to meet their son and daughter-in-law during this tragic incident.
Public response
Crash visuals and community's reaction
Television channels aired visuals of the crash, showing the Tejas jet losing altitude before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. Thick smoke engulfed the site, leaving spectators at the Dubai Airshow shocked. The news of Wing Commander Syal's death sent shockwaves through Kangra valley, with villagers gathering outside his family home in Patialakad village late into the night, despite the cold.
Twitter Post
Visuals of the crash from Dubai Airshow
🚨🚨🚨BREAKING:
— Madmax OSINT 🇮🇪🇺🇦 (@madmaxburn88) November 21, 2025
🇦🇪 🇮🇳 An Indian HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show
All visitors of the Dubai Airshow are being evacuated after the crash of an Indian plane; rescuers and firefighters are working at the scene.#Tejas#DubaiAirShow pic.twitter.com/eDtTwt9HyE
Official statement
Chief Minister expresses condolences to Wing Commander's family
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Wing Commander Syal. He said, "The nation has lost a brave and dedicated pilot." The CM also extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. However, details regarding the last rites of Wing Commander Syal are yet to be finalized.