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Video: Witnesses share final moments of Dubai Airshow jet crash to 'aid investigation'
Namansh Syal was a highly skilled display pilot in the Indian Air Force; he is said to have mesmerised audiences at Aero India and multiple national airshows with his exceptional flying skills
After a pilot was tragically killed in a Tejas jet crash at Dubai Airshow, several videos have emerged of the aerial stunts and final moments, with witnesses sharing these visuals to aid in investigation, and as a form of tribute to the braveheart.
Namansh Syal, hailing from Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district, was a Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force, and is survived by his wife, also an IAF Wing Commander, and their young daughter. Syal was a highly skilled display pilot from No. 45 Squadron, the Flying Daggers, from Sulur Air Base. He is said to have mesmerised audiences at Aero India and multiple national airshows with his exceptional flying skills.
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The aerial stunts were supposed to last for eight minutes, but ended fatally, after the jet nosedived. The tragic incident cast a solemn pall on the airshow, with other displays being suspended for around two hours.
Viral videos have been doing the rounds on social media, with witnesses putting them on the record, hoping that visual documentation will help investigations in some form.
One such account is that of Abdur Rahim on Instagram, an ex-journalist turned plane videographer, who said he was thinking about whether he should post the video. Ultimately, Rahim decided to put it in public view; he said that as an ex-journalist, he hoped it would help in investigation. Watch the video here:
A videographer who shoots "real content with no CGI or AI," and goes by the name Wltan on Instagram, shared the last performance of the Tejas jet in its actual speed, saying: "Hope this helps in the investigation." Watch the video below:
Yet others were sharing photos as tribute. Asif Ali, a Dubai-based photographer, shared some stunning shots of the HAL Tejas LA-5026 to remind the world of the "incredible skill and confidence behind this aircraft and its pilot."
The jet and the pilot worked together to deliver one of the "most powerful, precise and breathtaking aerobatic displays," he said. With "every turn, every climb, every smoke trail" a reminder of the pilot's skill, he said these images now "stand as a tribute to the bravery, dedication and passion of Wing Commander Namansh Syal."
Meanwhile, other videos of Syal's 'last moments' captured unwittingly by airshow visitors have also since gone viral. An Indian journalist, Kaiden Sharma, remembered Syal's "quiet confidence" and calm, professional presence. Watch the video here:
A day after the tragic incident, the mortal remains of the officer were flown back to India on a special IAF aircraft. The Emirati Defence Forces also accorded him a ceremonial guard of honour in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
He was laid to rest in an emotionally charged service, as his wife Wing Commander Afshan saluted her husband one last time, fighting to hold back her tears and grief.
Poojaraj Maniyeri
Poojaraj Maniyeri is a Digital Journalist who loves turning everyday conversations into news stories. She is also a typical bookworm, and brings a novel with her everywhere she goes.
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