Tejas Fighter Jet Crash at Dubai Air Show: A Comprehensive History of Global Air Show Disasters

The Tejas fighter jet crashed during a low-altitude maneuver demonstration, losing control before hitting the ground.

New Delhi:

On Friday afternoon, a Tejas fighter aircraft crashed during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Air Show. The accident happened at AI Maktoum International Airport at 2:10 pm, resulting in the death of 34-year-old Wing Commander Namansh Syal.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) reported that the indigenous fighter aircraft lost control while executing a low-altitude maneuver before crashing to the ground.

This tragedy joins numerous other air show disasters that have occurred around the world.

Here are notable incidents:

Poland Air Show, 2025: A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a Radom Air Show rehearsal in August 2025. The aircraft lost control while performing a tight-turn maneuver at low altitude, resulting in the pilot's death.

Pakistan Day Air Show, 2020: A U.S.-manufactured F-16 jet crashed in a wooded area near Islamabad during Pakistan Day air show preparations. Wing Commander Noman Akram perished when the aircraft lost control during a low-altitude maneuver.

Shoreham Air Show, 2015: A Hawker Hunter T7 warbird crashed onto a main road during the Shoreham Airshow at Shoreham Airport, England. The accident claimed 11 lives and injured 16 others, though pilot Andy Hill survived despite critical injuries.

Bournemouth Air Festival, 2011: Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging lost his life when his Hawk T1 aircraft crashed near Bournemouth Airport in Dorset during a display. The inquest suggested Egging was likely near unconsciousness before impact.

Shoreham Air Show, 2007: A vintage World War II Hawker Hurricane fighter crashed during a mock "Battle of Britain" display. According to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), the aircraft performed an unplanned barrel-roll before entering a steep dive and crashing. The accident killed pilot Brian Brown, who was also a James Bond stuntman.

Sknyliv Air Show, 2002: One of history's deadliest air show accidents occurred when a Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet crashed into spectators, killing 77 people and injuring over 500. Both pilots escaped with minor injuries.

Moscow Air Show, 1992: Two MiG-29 jets collided mid-air during their display. The pilots ejected safely, but debris fell dangerously close to spectators.

Ramstein Air Show, 1988: Three Italian Air Force display team aircraft collided in formation and crashed during the Flugtag '88 airshow at USAF Ramstein Air Base in West Germany. The disaster killed 67 spectators, three pilots, and injured hundreds more.

Fairchild Air Force Base, 1987: A KC-135 Stratotanker crashed while practicing air show maneuvers at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane County. After flying into turbulence from a nearby B-52, it lost control and crashed in an open field, killing six airmen and one spectator.

Paris Air Show, 1973: The Tupolev Tu-144 supersonic jet disintegrated mid-air while performing extreme maneuvers, killing six crew members and eight spectators when it crashed into Goussainville, France. This accident effectively terminated the Tupolev Tu-144 development program.