Chennai. Tejas fighter jet crashed while performing acrobatics in the air show in Dubai and pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal died. Syal’s mortal remains were brought to Sulur Air Force Station in Coimbatore on Sunday, where his comrades and officers paid rich tributes to him. Coimbatore District Collector Pawan Kumar and Superintendent of Police Karthikeyan paid tribute on behalf of the district administration, while the IAF paid tribute with full military honours.
Syal served in the Air Force for more than ten years and was considered a disciplined officer. He lived in Sulur Air Force quarters with his wife, who was also an Air Force officer, and their seven-year-old daughter. The entire family was devastated by the news of this crash. His colleagues remembered him as a committed professional and loving father. He was also pursuing advanced studies related to aviation and defense systems to advance in his career. Wing Commander Syal (37) was a resident of Himachal Pradesh and was working as a senior officer at Sulur base. He flew the Tejas MK-1 Light Combat Aircraft from Sulur to Dubai for India’s aerobatic display at the famous aviation exhibition, which was attended by major aerospace companies and delegations from across the world. After paying tribute to him in Sulur, his body was taken to his native village in Himachal Pradesh for the last rites. Senior IAF officials said that a detailed investigation has been ordered to find out the exact cause of the accident. The tragic death of Wing Commander Naman Syal has sent a wave of grief across the Air Force community and beyond as the entire nation mourns the loss of such a brave officer. The Indian Air Force was to conduct several aerial demonstrations to showcase the capabilities of the indigenous Tejas fighter.