US Pilot Shocked as Dubai Airshow Continues After Tejas Crash; The tragic death of Indian Air Force (IAF) Wing Commander Namansh Syal during a Tejas fighter jet demo at the Dubai Airshow 2025 has sparked global reactions — including strong criticism from a United States Air Force (USAF) pilot who was stunned that the event continued despite the fatal crash.
USAF Pilot Cancels Show in Respect for Wing Commander Syal
Major Taylor “Fema” Hiester, Commander of the F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, expressed deep shock and disappointment in an emotional Instagram post. He revealed that his team cancelled their final flying display “out of respect to the IAF pilot, his colleagues, and family.”
Hiester wrote that he expected the airshow to pause or shut down following the fatal accident. Instead, he was stunned to see the venue functioning normally.
“I walked through the show site maybe an hour or two later expecting it to be empty or shut down. It wasn’t,” he said.
Tejas Crash: A Tragic Loss for the Indian Air Force
Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life on Friday when his HAL-built Tejas Light Combat Aircraft crashed during a high-speed manoeuvre at Al Maktoum International Airport.
Horrifying videos showed the aircraft diving uncontrollably and bursting into flames. Tragically, Syal was unable to eject in time.
Hiester highlighted how unsettling it felt to watch the crowd and announcers continue with enthusiasm even after the tragedy.
“The announcer stayed upbeat, the crowd cheered the next performers, and the show ended with congratulations to sponsors and teams. It was uncomfortable to think my own team might walk out to rock music without me,” he wrote.
Full Military Honours for the Fallen Pilot
Wing Commander Syal’s mortal remains reached Sulur Air Force Base (Tamil Nadu) on Sunday, where he was accorded full military honours. His body was then flown to Himachal Pradesh and taken to his native Patiyalkar village in a flower-adorned Army truck amid a solemn convoy.
At the cremation ceremony in Kangra district, his wife Wing Commander Afshan, overwhelmed with grief, gave him a final emotional salute while holding their six-year-old daughter. Syal was cremated with full military honours, and his cousin Nishant performed the final rites.
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