India’s LCA Tejas Jet Crashes At Dubai Air Show, Pilot’s Fate Unknown

India’s Tejas fighter jet burst into a ball of flame after crashing into desert soil while performing a low-altitude maneuver at the Dubai Airshow.

No pilot ejection was observed, and there was no indication of the pilot being rescued from the crash site. The aircraft was part of the Indian Air Force’s aerobatics performance team.

The jet was performing as scheduled on the final day of the Dubai Airshow. The manoeuvre involved approaching at a low angle of attack before pulling up sharply.

The lone LCA Tejas sent by the Indian Air Force to the show had taken part in flying displays over the previous four days, performing similar aerobatic routines. The IAF’s Suryakiran aerobatics team also performed at the event.

The cause of the crash is not yet known. A statement from the IAF is awaited.