The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically died in a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1) crash during the Dubai Air Show on Friday, November 21, 2025, were brought to his native village of Patialkar in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, November 23, 2025. He was cremated with full state and military honors.
Wing Commander Syal's funeral was attended by thousands of residents, government officials, and former schoolmates who gathered to pay their respects. Himachal Pradesh Sports Minister Anil Goma, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation R S Bali, BJP leader and former Assembly Speaker Vipin Parmar, officers of the Air Force and Army, the deputy commissioner, and the superintendent of police were present. His wife, also an Indian Air Force officer, paid a tearful final salute to her husband, with their six-year-old daughter by her side. The Indian Air Force (IAF) honored Wing Commander Syal with a gun salute.
Wing Commander Syal, 34, was a decorated pilot known for his exceptional skill and unwavering commitment. He was an alumnus of Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, and was commissioned into the IAF in December 2009. He was attached to IAF's No. 45 Squadron (Flying Daggers) based at Air Force Station, Sulur. The Air Force described him as a dedicated fighter pilot and a thorough professional.
The Tejas Mark-1 fighter jet crashed during an aerobatic demonstration at the Dubai Air Show. The aircraft failed to recover from a low-altitude maneuver and crashed in front of a large audience. According to initial reports, Wing Commander Syal was unable to eject in time. It is believed that Wing Commander Syal diverted the aircraft to avoid casualties. The Indian Air Force has initiated a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident.
News of Wing Commander Syal's death has been met with widespread grief. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed his condolences, calling him "a brave son of Himachal Pradesh".
Wing Commander Syal is survived by his wife, his six-year-old daughter, and his parents.
