• Source:JND
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Tejas crash Dubai Airshow: In an emotional moment that resonated across the global aviation community, Russia’s famed Russian Knights aerobatic team performed the sombre Missing Man Formation in honour of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who died after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during a flying demonstration at the Dubai Airshow 2025 on Friday.

Russian Knights’ Tribute Marks Poignant Final Day

A video shared on the Russian social platform VK showed the Knights dedicating their final-day performance to Syal, calling the Tejas crash “impossible to describe”. The team said the formation was flown “in memory of the brothers who did not return from the last flight”, underlining the emotional weight carried by the international flying fraternity after the tragic accident.

The Tejas MK-1 had been executing a low-altitude negative-G manoeuvre when it suddenly lost stability, nosedived and burst into flames at Al Maktoum International Airport. Thick smoke rose over the venue as thousands of spectators watched in disbelief.

US aerobatic pilot Taylor “FEMA” Hiester said his team withdrew from their planned display out of respect for the fallen Indian pilot. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he described the atmosphere after the crash as “jarring and heartbreaking”. “We all watched the aftermath unfold from a distance,” he wrote, reflecting on the sight of the empty parking bay where the Tejas had stood minutes earlier and the pilot’s belongings still in his car. “Each of us contemplated the new reality that came in an instant.” Hiester added that, despite the tragedy, the event’s return to normalcy was a stark reminder that in aviation, “the show must go on.”

IAF Announces Inquiry

The Indian Air Force said Syal suffered fatal injuries, and a court of inquiry has been set up to determine the cause of the accident. In its statement, the IAF described him as a “dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional” who served the nation with “unwavering commitment and exceptional skill”. This was the second Tejas accident in under two years; a previous crash occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer.

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Syal’s body was flown to Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu before being taken to his native village, Patiyalkar, in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. He was laid to rest with full military honours on Sunday.

Residents said the mid-30s officer had always been an outstanding sportsman and a disciplined soldier. Many believe he directed the stricken aircraft away from crowds, preventing a larger tragedy. His final journey included a gun salute, wreath-laying, and traditional rites attended by family, villagers, and IAF personnel.

ALSO READ: 'Jarring And Heartbreaking': US Pilot Reveals What Really Happened After Tejas Crash At Dubai Airshow

Messages of grief continued to flow in from pilots, defence officials, and airshow attendees. The rare cross-national tributes from Russian, American, and Indian teams highlighted the deep camaraderie shared among military aviators worldwide.

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