Source The Hindu
PATIYALKAR (HIMACHAL PRADESH) — A deep pall of sorrow has fallen over Patiyalkar village in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, following the tragic death of one of its most celebrated sons, Wing Commander Naman Syal, 34, in a Tejas aircraft crash at the Dubai Air Show 2025 on Friday.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot, known for his exemplary service and courageous spirit, was performing an aerial display when the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) nosedived and burst into flames. The news of the fatal crash has shattered the peace of his native village, where relatives and villagers have gathered, united in shock and grief.
A Hero’s Loss: Pilot Remembered for Humility and Courage
Wing Commander Syal, who was reportedly due for a promotion, is survived by his wife, who is also an IAF officer, their six-year-old daughter, and his parents.
“The entire village is very sad today,” said Ramesh Kumar, a relative, who described the pilot as a “very humble man.” Villagers recalled Wing Commander Syal as a brilliant child who had always made the community proud. “We cannot accept that someone so full of life and courage is no longer with us,” said a resident, Madan.
The officer’s uncle, Joginder Nath Syal, recounted the heartbreaking moment they received the news: “We received information about the crash around 5:00 pm, when his father called me and told me to watch the news. People of the village have gathered here and all are very sad.” Syal’s parents were currently at the Sulur Air Force Station near Coimbatore, while his wife was attending a course in Kolkata at the time of the accident.
Crash Details and Official Response
The Tejas aircraft crashed around 2:10 p.m. local time (3:40 p.m. IST) while performing a scheduled eight-minute aerial demonstration at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central. Eyewitness videos showed the jet abruptly losing altitude during a maneuver, hitting the ground, and erupting into a massive fireball.
The Indian Air Force confirmed the fatality, issuing a statement that read: “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. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.”
The IAF has announced that a Court of Inquiry is being constituted to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, which marks the first fatal crash involving the Tejas aircraft during an international display.
National Condolences
Condolences poured in from the highest echelons of government and the armed forces. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his anguish at the loss of a “brave and courageous IAF pilot,” extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, also mourned the loss of the Kangra-born pilot, stating that the nation had lost a “brave, dutiful, and courageous pilot” whose service would always be remembered.
The mortal remains of Wing Commander Syal are expected to be brought back to India shortly, with final rites anticipated to be held in Patiyalkar village.
