A video showing Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal at the Dubai Airshow has surfaced online just days after his tragic death in the Tejas LCA Mk-1 crash. The clip captures him smiling with dignitaries, unaware of the tragedy that would soon follow during the final performance of the airshow.
Wing Commander Namansh Syal, 37, died on Friday when the Tejas fighter jet crashed during a low-level aerobatic routine. The aircraft burst into flames moments after hitting the ground. The video circulating on social media shows the pilot interacting with Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, India’s Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal, and senior MEA official Aseem R Mahajan. It is unclear when exactly the clip was taken during the five-day event, which began on November 17.
Pilot Seen Smiling Before the Tejas Crash
The video has been widely shared, showing the officer in a cheerful mood as he poses for photographs. He appears alongside Indian and UAE dignitaries, showcasing India’s participation in the international airshow. Hours later, his final flight ended in tragedy.
Life is ever so fleeting.
Wg Cdr Namansh Syal seen here in Dubai Air Show with MoS Defence.
Second from left. pic.twitter.com/nwIQIpsXPQ— Man Aman Singh Chhina (@manaman_chhina) November 21, 2025
Emotional Tribute After Tejas Crash Claims IAF Pilot’s Life
An Instagram user shared a heartbreaking video showing Wing Commander Namansh Syal smiling just moments before he boarded the Tejas aircraft for his final flight. He captioned the clip with emotional lines. “Smile of Wing Commander Namansh Syal moments before he boarded Tejas 💔” and “Wing Commander Namansh Syal with team Tejas at the Dubai Air Show 💔.”
He also wrote about the tragic crash, noting that the Tejas fighter jet went down during an air display at the Dubai Airshow. He added that the pilot did not eject and instead tried to regain control of the aircraft, losing his life while attempting to save the jet and protect those on the ground.
Shock in Native Village
News of the accident triggered grief in Wing Commander Syal’s village in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. Relatives, neighbours, and villagers gathered at his family home in disbelief. The officer is survived by his wife, who also serves in the Indian Air Force, a six-year-old daughter, and his parents.
The crash brought an abrupt end to what was supposed to be a proud moment for India’s premier light combat aircraft. The IAF confirmed that a court of inquiry will investigate the exact cause.
Experts Suggest Possible Reasons
Defence expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retd.) told ANI that the crash may have happened because the pilot lost control or suffered a blackout due to extreme g-forces. He added that investigators can confirm the cause only after analysing cockpit data.
Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd.) said the tragedy has shaken everyone. “The ill-fated Tejas crash a little while ago in Dubai has actually shaken up the whole system,” he said. He explained that multiple technical factors could be responsible.
“The reasons could be mechanical. The reason could be the malfunction of the fly-by-wire or any control surface… The FDR and CVR would be extracted…”
He added, “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.”
Investigation Underway of Tejas Crash
The Indian Air Force has begun forming a board of inquiry. Experts say the final report will examine pilot condition, aircraft systems, flight data, weather, and maintenance history. The crash has also raised questions about the performance envelope of the Tejas aircraft during high-risk aerobatic displays.
The Dubai Airshow was scheduled to conclude on November 21, but the final day’s highlight turned into a moment of deep sorrow for the Indian Air Force and the nation.
