Tejas Crash at Dubai Airshow

A tragic incident occurred on the final day of the Dubai Airshow, one of the largest aviation events in the world. An Indian Air Force Tejas Mk-1 fighter aircraft crashed during an aerobatic performance at the Al Maktoum International Airport. The jet lost control while executing mid-air maneuvers and crashed, exploding on impact. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, the IAF confirmed, adding that full support would be extended to the pilot’s family.

A special investigation team has been set up to determine the cause of the crash. Initial observations suggest the aircraft may have failed to recover from a negative G-force maneuver during a “barrel roll.” This is only the second Tejas crash in 24 years since its maiden flight in 2001.

Earlier, some misleading videos circulating on social media claimed that Tejas had an oil leakage issue. The Government of India and PIB Fact Check clarified that the fluid seen in the videos was part of a routine pre-flight draining process, not a malfunction. The government urged people not to fall for misinformation aimed at undermining India’s defence capabilities.