HAL calls Tejas crash in Dubai an ‘isolated occurrence’

New Delhi: Days after a Tejas fighter jet crashed during an air show in Dubai, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which manufactures the aircraft, said on Monday that the incident was an “isolated occurrence”. HAL added that the crash took place under “exceptional circumstances”, though it did not elaborate further.

HAL, the principal manufacturer of the Tejas aircraft, powered by General Electric engines, said it does not expect the crash to affect its business operations or future delivery schedules. The company also confirmed it would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.

The fatal crash occurred on Friday during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow, when India’s Tejas fighter jet burst into flames after hitting the ground. The incident claimed the life of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Namansh Syal, aged 37.

Plumes of black smoke rose above Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central as shocked spectators looked on.

Footage circulating online shows the Tejas attempting its manoeuvres moments before impact. Another video captures the pilot’s unsuccessful attempt to eject from the aircraft.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Indian Air Force announced that a court of inquiry would be established to determine the cause of the crash. HAL issued a statement soon after the incident, saying it was “deeply saddened by the loss of the courageous IAF pilot during the aerial display at the Dubai Air Show”.

It was the second crash involving an HAL-manufactured Tejas aircraft in 20 months. The previous incident occurred in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, in March last year, though on that occasion the pilot managed to eject safely.

Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) fell sharply in Monday morning trade, dropping 8.48 per cent to ₹4,205.25 on the BSE. Meanwhile, on the NSE, HAL’s share price fell as much as 4.13 per cent to ₹4,405.