ThisisNews Network

Dubai: A multirole Tejas fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed on Friday afternoon while performing an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Airshow. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry to determine the cause of the accident.

The indigenous Tejas fighter was executing a manoeuvre around 2:10 pm local time when it suddenly descended and crashed near the Dubai airport display area. Eyewitnesses reported a fireball and heavy smoke moments after impact, triggering panic among spectators that included many families and children. UAE emergency services reached the crash site within minutes. The IAF issued a statement expressing deep regret over the loss of its pilot and confirming that a Court of Inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the precise cause.

While the official inquiry will ultimately establish what happened, preliminary visual assessment suggests that the pilot lost lift during a crucial manoeuvre and went into a stall-cum-spin. He tried to recover but didn’t have altitude. In the process he didn’t eject. This analysis remains tentative pending examination of flight data, maintenance records, and environmental conditions.

The tragic loss of the pilot has cast a pall over the event, and the IAF has expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.