- By Supratik Das
- Sun, 23 Nov 2025 02:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tejas crash Dubai Airshow: A US aerobatic pilot has shared a sombre and personal account of the atmosphere at the Dubai Airshow moments after the fatal crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet, saying his team decided to withdraw from their scheduled routine as a mark of respect for the pilot who lost his life, Wing Commander Namansh Syal.
US Pilot Recalls ‘First Experience’ At Show Site
Taylor “FEMA” Hiester wrote on Instagram that he had received several calls from people checking on his team’s safety, clarifying that they were not involved in the crash and were already preparing to return to the United States. He said the tragedy unfolded just as his team was readying their aircraft for their last performance of the season.
Hiester said the airshow authorities chose to continue with the flying programme, but several teams, including US, opted out. “Though the show made the shocking decision to continue with the flying schedule, our team, along with a few others, made the decision to cancel our final performance out of respect to the pilot, his colleagues and family,” he wrote.
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He added that the moment weighed heavily on the pilots. The team watched the aftermath quietly from a distance, reflecting on the Indian maintenance personnel who stood by an empty bay, the aircraft ladder still lying on the tarmac, and the pilot’s belongings untouched in his rental car. “I suppose each of us contemplated their new reality that came in an instant,” he said.
Hiester expected the venue to fall silent, but the mood at the show site remained largely unchanged. He wrote that the announcer continued with enthusiasm, and the crowd watched subsequent aerobatic routines with excitement. “It felt jarring,” he noted, adding that the regular closing announcements thanking sponsors and performers went ahead as usual.
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Mortal Remains Brought To Home
The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal were flown back to India on a special Indian Air Force aircraft after receiving a ceremonial guard of honour from the Emirati Defence Forces. The IAF confirmed his death shortly after the Tejas aircraft crashed and caught fire during the aerobatic display on Friday.
On Sunday, the body reached the Sulur Air Base in Coimbatore before being taken to Gaggal airport in Himachal Pradesh. His parents, wife, and young daughter accompanied the remains. The final journey to his native village, Patiyalkar in Kangra district, was scheduled for the afternoon, where the last rites will be performed with full military honours. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.