India’s Tejas Jet Crashes At Dubai Airshow; Pilot Dies

An Indian combat plane crashed during a demonstration flight at the Dubai Air Show. The aircraft turned into a ball of black smoke over AI Maktoum International Airport as spectators looked on and sirens were sounded.

According to the Indian Air Force, the pilot of the aircraft died in the crash which occurred around 2:10 pm. The Indian HAL Tejas crashed this afternoon even as the pilot is experienced. He had flown at the air show site several times earlier.

Apparently, the pilot lost control and the aircraft dived to the ground directly, inside the airfield. The IAF confirmed the crash. In a statement, IAF said that it deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family.

Tejas is India’s indigenous lightweight fighter jet built by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The IAF also constituted an inquiry into the cause of the accident. Visuals shared on social media showed the indigenous fighter jet diving towards the ground and erupting into a fireball.

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