Why IAF's Tejas fighter jet crashed in Dubai during airshow
What's the story
A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing its pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal. The incident occurred around 2:08pm local time when the aircraft was performing an aerial maneuver. It reportedly lost balance and nosedived into a crash, creating a massive fireball and thick black smoke at the site.
Maneuver details
Crash occurred during complex maneuver
On why the jet crashed, experts explained that the pilot appeared to be attempting a barrel roll, whereby the jet turns over and then back up again, completing a complete axial rotation. While not overly complicated, it requires precision and speed. Experts believe that the jet was too close to the ground and possibly lacked the speed to complete this maneuver, leading to its crash.
Potential cause
Engine flameout suspected as possible cause
While the IAF has not officially confirmed the cause of the crash, experts have speculated that an engine flameout could be behind it. Before the crash, there were claims that the same jet had suffered an oil leak. However, the Indian government shut down the claims, saying the online posts are "fake" and appear to be intended to raise doubt on the fighter jet's performance and reliability.
Investigation underway
2nd Tejas crashÂ
This incident marks only the second crash of a Tejas aircraft in its 24-year history. First manufactured in 2001, the Tejas was designed as a light combat jet to replace India's fleet of Russian MiG-21s. The IAF expects to have a fleet of roughly 220 Tejas fighters and their advanced Mk-1A derivatives in the next ten years, once HAL completes the pending orders.