During a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show on Friday at approximately 2:10 PM local time, an Indian Air Force HAL Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crashed. The aircraft was performing aerial maneuvers when it appeared to lose balance and nosedived, crashing at a distance from the spectator area. Eyewitness videos captured the impact, showing thick black smoke rising from the crash site, causing shock and panic among the spectators. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and expressed deep regret over the loss of the pilot, who sustained fatal injuries. They stated that they stand firmly with the bereaved family during this difficult time. An official statement was released, and a court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. The IAF is gathering additional information about the crash.
Prior to the crash, the government had addressed and refuted claims circulating on social media regarding an alleged oil leakage in the Tejas Mk1 at the same airshow. The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check unit clarified that videos showing fluid coming from the aircraft depicted a routine draining procedure common in humid conditions, specifically the expulsion of condensed water from the Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS). Officials dismissed these claims as misleading attempts to undermine confidence in the fighter's capabilities.
The Tejas Mk1's participation in the Dubai Air Show was part of India's effort to showcase its indigenous defense aviation capabilities on the global stage. The aircraft was intended to be a symbol of domestic aerospace development. The crash occurred during one of the aviation industry's most prominent events, where the Tejas was scheduled to perform a display highlighting India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and expressed deep regret over the loss of the pilot, who sustained fatal injuries. They stated that they stand firmly with the bereaved family during this difficult time. An official statement was released, and a court of inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. The IAF is gathering additional information about the crash.
Prior to the crash, the government had addressed and refuted claims circulating on social media regarding an alleged oil leakage in the Tejas Mk1 at the same airshow. The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check unit clarified that videos showing fluid coming from the aircraft depicted a routine draining procedure common in humid conditions, specifically the expulsion of condensed water from the Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS). Officials dismissed these claims as misleading attempts to undermine confidence in the fighter's capabilities.
The Tejas Mk1's participation in the Dubai Air Show was part of India's effort to showcase its indigenous defense aviation capabilities on the global stage. The aircraft was intended to be a symbol of domestic aerospace development. The crash occurred during one of the aviation industry's most prominent events, where the Tejas was scheduled to perform a display highlighting India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.