New footage shows Tejas jet’s sudden descent before erupting in flames | Watch

Another video of the Tejas fighter jet crash at Dubai Air Show has emerged that shows the exact moment the pilot lost control of the plane and crashed into the ground.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who was flying the aircraft, died in the tragic incident.

The video shows the aircraft in a sharp climb, with a trail of white vapour streaming from its engine. Moments later, the jet went down, and a huge plume of black smoke and fire rose from the crash site.

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The incident occurred at Al Maktoum International Airport, where thousands had gathered to watch the high-profile air show.

As per preliminary reports, the aircraft — a single-seat Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was performing a negative-G turn as part of its aerobatic routine. The aircraft then attempted to transition into a roll manoeuvre. However, it was flying at a very low altitude, limiting the pilot’s ability to recover.

During the manoeuvre, the jet appeared to lose additional altitude. After completing the barrel roll, the aircraft managed to level its wings, but its vertical descent rate had become too high to arrest. Within seconds, the Tejas struck the ground with force and exploded.

“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. A court of inquiry is being constituted, to ascertain the cause of the accident," the IAF said in its statement posted on X.