Tejas crash: Wing Commander Namansh Syal laid to rest in Himachal with full state honours

Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot who tragically died when his Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1) crashed during the Dubai Airshow, was laid to rest on Sunday in his native village of Patialkar, Himachal Pradesh.

During the funeral, Syal’s wife, also a Wing Commander, paid a final tribute to her husband and fellow officer.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Wing Commander Afshan salutes her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, as she pays her last respects to him.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life in the LCA Tejas crash in Dubai on 21st November. pic.twitter.com/DPKwARut4r

— ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2025

The 34-year-old Wing Commander, died on Friday (November 21) when his fighter jet suddenly dropped during a routine aerobatic display at one of the world’s largest aviation events. He is survived by his wife, a six-year-old daughter, and his parents. A court of inquiry is currently investigating the exact cause of the accident.

This video shows Wing Commander Namansh Syal was flying with absolute control just seconds before his bird Tejas went down.
What caused this heartbreaking tragedy is something only he or our experienced Combat Air Warriors can truly understand.
Salute to the brave brother 🙌🇮🇳💔 pic.twitter.com/RQF2QQub8Y

— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) November 22, 2025

The IAF honoured the Wing Commander, calling him a “dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional” known for his “unwavering commitment and exceptional skill.”

The final rites were performed after the pilot was accorded a full gun salute by fellow IAF officers who had gathered to pay their respects. The loss drew condolences from public figures, including Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and actor Kamal Haasan, who called him “a brave son of India taken far too soon.”