Indian warplane crashes at Dubai Airshow, killing pilot

An Indian fighter jet crashed during a flying display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, killing the pilot in front of hundreds of shocked spectators.

The Indian-made Tejas fighter jet fell to the ground while maneuvering and exploded in the form of a fireball. The pilot failed to eject.

The accident occurred in front of a packed grandstand watching the aerobatic display on the last day of the Middle East’s largest air show.

Dubai’s government-run media office confirmed the “tragic death of the pilot” and the Indian Air Force (IAF) announced an investigation.

“IAF is deeply saddened by the loss of life and stands with the bereaved family during this painful time,” the statement said.

The plane crashed about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the show area, which was filled with planes, helicopters and other equipment on static display.

The president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, aviation industry leaders and senior military officials were among the thousands of people who attended the demonstration this week.

Videos on social media show the plane crashing into the ground and bursting into flames on impact. Smoke billowed from the crash scene as emergency vehicles sped towards it.

“The pilot was flying at low altitude and performing risky manoeuvres,” Iraqi eyewitness Hassan Luqman told AFP.

“Then he appeared to be trying to avoid the crash, starting to steer the plane upwards but was unable to do so in time.”

The incident occurred near the start of the daily flying show, which features barrel spins, loops and other stunts. The show then restarted.

This is the second accident involving single-seater Tejas in less than two years after the non-fatal training accident in Rajasthan in March last year.

In September, India signed a $7 billion order for 97 upgraded Tejas Mk1A fighter jets to replace the Russian MiG-21 fleet after decades of use.

Designed and manufactured in India, Tejas were first commissioned in the air force in 2016.

Friday’s crash is believed to be the first in the history of the Dubai Airshow, which dates back to 1986.

Dubai’s state-owned Emirates and flydubai airlines signed several major deals at the aviation show, including Emirates’ order for 65 Boeing jets worth $38 billion.

th-mk/jsa