Tejas crashes at Dubai Air Show: IAF regrets 'loss of life'

In a tragic incident, an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, and the pilot lost his life. Taking it to X, IAF said, “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.”

It further added that, “A court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

The crash occurred during the biennial Dubai Air Show, one of the world’s largest aviation exhibitions. The event has seen major announcements this week.

Notably, this is the second crash involving a Tejas aircraft, the first one being in 2024 near Jaisalmer.

In March 2024, a Tejas fighter went down in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, the first such accident in the aircraft’s 23-year history since its maiden test flight in 2001. The pilot ejected safely in that case.

LCA Tejas is a 4.5-generation, all-weather and multi-role fighter aircraft. The aircraft is designed to be a multi-role aircraft capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack roles at ease.

 

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[emgee]

Sounds like GLoC.
Wishing his family and friends strength and fortitude.

 

[Ammoman]

Very sad day for the pilots family and for India.

Something stinks here. I saw a video of the jet in Dubai, parked on the runway. The build quality is crap, it was leaking fluid. People of India have to demand answers. Is this the best that we can do? It didn't have a weapon package. Has the integration of weapons been completed? Why does the plane look like it was made in a garage? India has to make HAL accountable and also the government. Why are we using an engine that was out of date and discontinued? Why does the government and HAL keep lying about why it hasn't delivered any 1A jets? If anyone says it's GE's fault, you know they are a paid influencer.

I am not saying it was a mechanical issue that brought down the plane. There will be an enquiry, it will never be released publicly. My opinion is the pilot was doing a maneuver too low to the ground. There is no room for error. Question is who designed and approved the maneuvers the pilot was tasked to do. Following is a good unbiased video by a retired British pilot.

 

[Mc Addy]

Sad