Tejas Fighter Jet Crash at Dubai Air Show: A viral video of the incident shows the aircraft suddenly wobbling in mid-air, flipping sharply, and then losing control before crashing.
An Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crashed while performing a mid-air manoeuvre at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, leaving the pilot dead. The crash occurred around 2:10 PM local time while the aircraft was performing a demonstration flight for the crowd.
“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the Indian Air Force said in an official statement.
The incident was also captured on camera, and a video is now going viral. It shows the aircraft suddenly wobbling mid-air, flipping sharply, and then losing control before bursting into flames on the ground.
Emergency crews rushed to the site as heavy smoke and fire rose from the crash area near the airfield’s perimeter. The Indian Air Force said that a court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Media Office has also confirmed that an Indian Tejas fighter aircraft taking part in a flying display at the Dubai Airshow crashed earlier on Friday, leading to the tragic death of the pilot.
Authorities said firefighting and emergency response teams reached the spot within minutes and are currently working to manage the situation.
The photo shared from the site shows rescue personnel spraying water over the burning debris, with smoke still rising from the ground. Emergency vehicles and equipment can be seen scattered across the crash area as teams continue their operations.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, along with all ranks of the Indian Armed Forces, has expressed shock and sorrow over the incident.
General Anil Chauhan, CDS and all ranks of Indian Armed Forces deeply regret the incident in which an IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at Dubai Air Show, today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. We deeply regret the loss of life and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”, said Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in an official statement.
About The Tejas Aircraft That Crashed
The aircraft involved in the Dubai Airshow crash was a Tejas Mk1, a frontline fighter jet operated by two Indian Air Force squadrons. Mixed fleets are usually sent for international events, and this particular jet was one of the three Tejas Mk1 aircraft participating in the Dubai show.
The Tejas Mk1 is powered by the GE F404 engine. The Indian Air Force currently operates around 40 aircraft of this version.
Two squadrons fly the Tejas Mk1 — the Flying Daggers and the Flying Bullets. Both units were earlier based in Sulur in southern India, though one of them has recently been moved to Rajasthan. Each IAF squadron typically consists of around 18 aircraft.
