Indian HAL Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes at Dubai Airshow 2025: What Went Wrong and How the Tragedy Unfolded

The Dubai Airshow 2025, known for spectacular aerial displays and cutting-edge aviation technology, took a devastating turn when an Indian Air Force HAL Tejas fighter jet crashed during a high-intensity aerobatic routine. What was meant to be a proud demonstration of India’s indigenous aviation capabilities ended in tragedy, raising questions about airshow safety, maneuver clearance, and the risks pilots take in the name of national prestige.

The crash, which occurred on 21 November 2025 at Al Maktoum International Airport, instantly became one of the most widely discussed events of the entire airshow. Videos captured by spectators showed the fighter jet spiraling downward moments after executing a risky maneuver, leaving a massive fireball and thick black smoke visible for miles.

Showcasing India’s Indigenous Fighter

The aircraft involved was the HAL Tejas Mk-1A, a single-engine, highly agile light combat aircraft designed and built in India. It represents a significant achievement for the country’s aerospace industry, combining digital flight controls, advanced avionics, and a compact delta-wing configuration ideal for dogfighting and rapid maneuvers.

India brought the Tejas to Dubai not just to participate but to impress. The airshow offered a major platform for India to present Tejas to potential international buyers, especially nations seeking lightweight, affordable fighters. Each maneuver performed at the event was intended to highlight the aircraft’s agility, engine thrust capability, and aerodynamic efficiency.

But what followed became the most tragic moment in Tejas’s airshow history.

The Flight That Turned Fatal

The fighter jet took off smoothly, climbing over the runway as hundreds of spectators watched with anticipation. For several minutes, everything proceeded as planned. The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, a highly experienced test pilot, executed a series of rolls, loops, and high-speed passes that drew cheers from the crowd.

Then came the maneuver that changed everything.

According to eyewitness videos and early analysis, the Tejas attempted a negative-G maneuver—a move where the aircraft briefly experiences upward force on the pilot rather than the usual downward pressure. Negative-G maneuvers require extraordinary skill, perfect timing, and usually, a generous safety altitude.

But during the Dubai Airshow, the maneuver was reportedly performed too low.

As the aircraft inverted and transitioned into the negative-G phase, it appeared to lose lift and stability. Within seconds, the jet dipped aggressively nose-down. The steep dive left almost no room for recovery. Spectators gasped as the aircraft hurtled toward the ground at terrifying speed.

A split second later, the jet slammed into the terrain, erupting into a massive explosion. Firefighters rushed to the scene as black smoke engulfed the crash area. The pilot did not survive.

No, It Was Not Shot Down

Immediately after the crash, online speculation exploded with claims of sabotage or a shoot-down. However, there is zero evidence to support such theories. Both Indian and UAE authorities have confirmed that this was an accident, not an attack.

Was It an Oil Leak? Government Says No

Another rumor circulating online involved a supposed “oil leak” seen the day before the crash.
India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) quickly clarified that the fluid seen in videos was not oil but condensed water being drained from the aircraft’s Environmental Control System—a normal procedure in humid places like Dubai.

This confirmation indicates the crash was not caused by leakage or engine fluid issues.

How Did the Crash Happen? Early Understanding

While the Court of Inquiry is still investigating, early findings point toward a combination of factors:

Low-altitude high-risk maneuver

Loss of lift during negative-G turn

Insufficient altitude for recovery

Possible momentary loss of control


Negative-G maneuvers are inherently dangerous because they disrupt airflow, reduce pilot control input stability, and produce forces that push the pilot upward—opposite of normal gravity forces. Performing such a maneuver too close to the ground gives the pilot no chance to pull out of a dive.

Experts believe this may explain why the aircraft went nose-down and failed to recover in time.

National Tragedy and Global Attention

The death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal has deeply saddened the Indian Air Force community. Tributes have poured in from across India and internationally. The crash has also sparked debates about whether airshow routines should be modified to reduce risk, especially for single-engine fighters operating at low altitude.

India’s efforts to promote the Tejas Mk-1A worldwide have suffered a setback, but aviation analysts caution against judging the entire program by a single incident, especially during aerobatic displays where aircraft operate at extreme performance limits.

Ongoing Investigation

A joint investigation between the UAE authorities and the Indian Air Force is underway. The final report will determine:

The exact cause of the crash

Whether the maneuver was authorised

If any mechanical issues contributed

Recommendations to improve airshow safety protocols


Until then, the Tejas crash remains a reminder of the courage of fighter pilots and the razor-thin margin between spectacle and tragedy during high-performance flight demonstrations.