Wing Commander Afshan Akhtar Gives Heartbreaking Goodbye to Husband Wing Commander Namansh Syal After Tejas Crash
In a poignant ceremony marked by profound sorrow and military honor, Wing Commander Afshan Akhtar, an active officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF), bid a final salute to her husband, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, whose mortal remains were brought to their native village in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday. The 34-year-old pilot perished in a tragic crash involving a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1) during an aerobatic display at the Dubai Air Show on November 21, 2025.
The incident occurred amid the high-profile international aviation event, where representatives from over 150 countries showcased advancements in aerospace technology. Eyewitness accounts and video footage indicate that the aircraft, piloted by Wing Commander Syal, experienced a sudden loss of altitude during a complex high-speed negative-G maneuver, leading to an impact with the ground and subsequent explosion. Despite attempts at recovery, the ejection system activated too late at low altitude, resulting in fatal injuries to the pilot. The IAF has initiated a Court of Inquiry to determine the precise cause of the accident, marking the first fatal incident involving the indigenous Tejas platform in a demonstration setting.
Wing Commander Syal, a distinguished alumnus of Sainik School Sujanpur Tira (class of 2005) and the National Defence Academy, was commissioned into the IAF in December 2009. He served with No. 3 Squadron at Sulur and was recognized as an exceptional instructor responsible for training combat pilots. Described by the IAF as a "dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional," he exemplified unwavering commitment and skill throughout his career. His academic and leadership prowess was evident early on, having served as house captain at Sainik School and Academy Cadet Adjutant at the NDA.
The pilot's family, rooted in Patialkar village within Kangra district's Nagrota Bagwan tehsil, received the devastating news under heartbreaking circumstances. His father, Naib Subedar Jagan Nath (retired from the Army Medical Corps), was browsing online videos of the Dubai Air Show to witness his son's performance when reports of the crash emerged. Squadron officers soon arrived to confirm the loss. At the time, Wing Commander Akhtar was undergoing a training course in Kolkata, while their six-year-old daughter remained with her grandparents in Sulur.
On November 23, the mortal remains were transported to Patialkar, where a somber gathering of villagers, IAF personnel, and family members paid their respects. Wing Commander Akhtar, visibly emotional yet composed in her uniform, saluted as the casket arrived, her tears reflecting the personal toll of the tragedy. The couple's young daughter joined in the mourning, underscoring the family's deep grief.
IAF officers honored the fallen pilot with a gun salute, a fitting tribute to his service.
The final rites were conducted in the village, with the community rallying in solidarity. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed condolences, noting the state's profound loss. Public figures, including actor Kamal Haasan, also paid homage, referring to Wing Commander Syal as "a brave son of India taken far too soon."
This tragedy highlights the inherent risks faced by military aviators in service to the nation. The IAF continues to support the bereaved family while investigating the incident to enhance safety protocols for future operations.
