US Pilot Cancels Performance After Tejas Crash at Dubai Air Show, Calls Decision to Continue ‘Shocking’

A United States Air Force pilot has raised concerns over the Dubai Air Show organisers' decision to continue flying demonstrations shortly after the fatal crash of an Indian Air Force (IAF) Tejas fighter jet. The incident claimed the life of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, prompting several teams — including the USAF’s F-16 Viper Demonstration Team — to withdraw in solidarity.

Major Taylor “Fema” Hiester, commander of the Viper demo team, shared his reaction in a heartfelt Instagram post, saying he was stunned that the event’s schedule continued despite the tragedy.

“I walked through the show site maybe an hour or two later expecting it to be empty, down, or off. It wasn't,” he wrote.

Hiester confirmed that his team, along with a few others, cancelled their final performance “out of respect to the pilot, his colleagues, and his family.”

Fatal Crash of Tejas Fighter Jet

Wing Commander Namansh Syal lost his life on Friday after his Tejas Light Combat Aircraft — manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) — crashed during an aerobatic manoeuvre at Al Maktoum International Airport. Video footage from the scene showed the jet spiralling down before exploding on impact. Syal was unable to eject.

The accident cast a sombre shadow over the event, but flying demonstrations reportedly resumed shortly after.

‘The Show Must Go On — But At What Cost?’

In his post, Hiester described feeling discomfort as the crowd continued cheering for subsequent displays and show announcers carried on with enthusiasm.

“It was uncomfortable for me to imagine my team walking out of the show site without me to a rock-and-roll soundtrack as the next performer prepared,” he wrote.

“The show must go on, is what they always say. And they’re right. But just remember someone will say that after you’ve gone too.”

Final Farewell With Military Honours

Wing Commander Syal’s mortal remains were transported on Sunday to Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu and later flown to his hometown in Himachal Pradesh. An Army convoy escorted the coffin to Patiyalkar village, where thousands gathered to pay tribute.

His wife, Wing Commander Afshan, in uniform and holding their young daughter, gave him a final salute before cremation with full military honours and a gun salute. His cousin Nishant performed the last rites.

The tragic crash has prompted emotional reactions from international pilots and renewed debate over safety, protocol and ethics at global air shows.