The mortal remains of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who tragically died on Friday, November 21, in the crash of a Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA Mk-1) during an event in Dubai, were brought back to his native village in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday for the final rites.
The pilot, a native of Kangra district, was a dedicated fighter pilot and a “thorough professional,” according to the Indian Air Force (IAF). He is survived by his wife, Wing Commander Afshan Akhtar, their six-year-old daughter, and his parents.
Wife’s Touching Farewell
The final rites were marked by an emotional tribute from his wife, Wing Commander Afshan Akhtar, who is also an IAF officer.
- Heartbreaking Salute: Wing Commander Afshan was seen paying her last respects to her husband with tears in her eyes. In a deeply moving moment, she rendered a final salute as she bid farewell to her fellow officer and partner.
- Honour: Wing Commander Namansh Syal was honored with a gun salute by the gathered IAF officers.
The last rites of the 34-year-old officer took place in his ancestral village, Patialkar, with many villagers gathering to pay their respects.
The Dubai Incident
The crash occurred during a routine aerobatic show at the Dubai Airshow, one of the world’s largest aviation events:
- Circumstances: Visuals from the final day of the event showed the Tejas LCA Mk-1 suddenly dropping forward before erupting into flames and thick smoke over the airfield.
- Investigation: A court of inquiry has been initiated to examine the cause of the crash.
Wing Commander Syal, a former student of Sainik School Sujanpur Tira, was commissioned into the IAF in December 2009.