The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday mourned the tragic loss of wing commander Namansh Syal, remembering his legacy as that of “courage, devotion and honour”.
Hailing from Himachal Pradesh, Syal lost his life on Friday after the indigenous multi-role light combat aircraft (LCA), Tejas, crashed in flames during its performance at the Dubai Air Show.
The lightweight, single-engine jet went down at approximately 2:10 pm local time (3:40 pm IST), moments after a high-speed pass over the airshow area. The aircraft had been scheduled to perform an eight-minute display.
"The Indian Air Force deeply mourns the tragic loss of Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the unfortunate Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show. A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unyielding sense of duty," the IAF said in a post on X.
In its post, it also shared a photo of him in his IAF uniform and another one in his pilot overall and standing next to a fighter jet, besides a video of a send-off accorded to him after the tragic accident that claimed his life.
"His dignified persona earned him immense respect through a life devoted to service, and was visible in the send-off attended by UAE officials, colleagues, friends, and the officials of the Indian Embassy,” the post read.
“The IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honours his legacy of courage, devotion and honour. May his service be remembered with gratitude,” it added.
Syal is survived by his father, mother, wife, who is also serving in the Air Force, and their six-year-old daughter.
The crash of a Tejas at the Dubai Air Show, was the second accident involving the indigenous multi-role LCA in less than two years On March 12, 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed near a residential colony in Jaisalmer while returning from tri-services military exercise 'Bharat Shakti' in Pokhran desert in what was the first accident involving the homegrown jet since it began flying in 2001.
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