Tejas Crash: The Indian Air Force has confirmed a tragic incident at the Dubai Air Show on Friday, where a Tejas fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic display, claiming the life of the pilot. The light combat aircraft, built by HAL, went down around 2:10 pm local time after a nosedive during a maneuver on the show’s final day at Al Maktoum International Airport. The IAF has stated that a court of inquiry has been set up to investigate the cause of the crash.
"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. Indian Air Force deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the IAF's statement read.
"A Tejas fighter aircraft from India participating in today's flying display at the Dubai Airshow has crashed, resulting in the tragic death of the pilot. Firefighting and emergency teams responded rapidly to the incident and are currently managing the situation on-site," the Government of Dubai Media Office said in a statement.
This year's Dubai Airshow is scheduled from November 17 to 21 at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site. The Dubai government has confirmed the event, noting that emergency teams are already present at the location.
The Tejas is a 4.5-generation, all-weather combat aircraft by HAL, available in single-seat fighter and twin-seat trainer variants for the Air Force and Navy. It’s 13.2m long, 8.2m wingspan, 4.4m tall, powered by a GE F404-IN20 engine (85 kN thrust), reaching Mach 1.6, 50,000 ft ceiling, +8g to -3.5g, with nine weapon hardpoints.