DUBAI -An Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, resulting in the death of its pilot, the IAF confirmed in an official statement.
“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident,” the force said, adding that it “deeply” regrets the loss and “stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The IAF said it will conduct a detailed investigation to “ascertain the cause of the accident.”
Videos circulating on social media captured the moment the light combat aircraft spiraled downward before hitting the ground, sending a thick column of smoke rising over the venue.
NDTV reported that the crash occurred around 2:10 PM, with heavy smoke quickly engulfing the area near Al Maktoum International Airport.
The Tejas aircraft, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has now suffered its second crash in less than two years.
The previous incident occurred in March last year in Rajasthan, which Indian media described as “the first such accident in the aircraft’s 23-year history since its maiden test flight in 2001.”
In that incident, the pilot managed to eject safely.
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The Dubai Airshow, one of the world’s largest aviation events, features live flight displays from military and commercial aircraft.
Friday’s fatal crash cast a pall over the event, with officials extending condolences and temporarily halting aerial demonstrations following the incident.
Authorities in the UAE are expected to coordinate with the IAF as part of the ongoing investigation.
