Tejas Fighter Jet Crashes During Dubai Air Show Aerobatic Display

Tejas Aircraft Crashes at Dubai Air Show

A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show when an Indian Air Force Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) crashed during a high-precision aerobatic performance. The accident, which occurred in front of thousands of spectators, resulted in the death of the IAF pilot and marked only the second crash in the aircraft’s long two-decade service and testing history. The mishap has renewed scrutiny of air-show procedures, pilot safety and the Tejas platform’s operational record.

Sequence of Events During the Accident

The crash took place around 2:15 pm local time , shortly after the aircraft entered a low-altitude manoeuvre. Video clips show the jet abruptly dropping nose-forward before colliding with the ground and bursting into flames. Rescue teams responded immediately, but the pilot was declared dead on site. The Indian Air Force has ordered a detailed court of inquiry to determine mechanical, environmental or procedural factors contributing to the accident.

Negative G Manoeuvre Under Review

Preliminary observations indicate that the crash may have occurred during a negative-G manoeuvre , a complex routine used in aerobatic flying. These manoeuvres cause the aircraft to enter a downward acceleration phase that can temporarily disorient the pilot or affect control inputs. Aviation experts emphasise that Tejas is fully certified for such manoeuvres, but display conditions demand extreme precision, especially at low altitude.

Context: The 2024 Jaisalmer Crash

The previous Tejas crash took place in March 2024 , when an LCA went down shortly after take-off near Jaisalmer. The pilot safely ejected, and investigations reaffirmed the aircraft’s strong reliability demonstrated over extensive testing and operational deployment.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Tejas obtained Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in 2019.

• Officially named “Tejas” in 2003 .

• India’s first fully indigenous fighter aircraft .

• Only two crashes since its maiden flight in 2001.