Defence expert suggests pilot blackout or loss of control due to G-forces may have caused the IAF Tejas jet crash at the Dubai Air Show
Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir): A day after the tragic crash of the IAF Tejas fighter jet during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show 2025, defence expert Captain Anil Gaur (Retd.) suggested that the incident may have been caused by the pilot losing control or suffering a blackout due to high g-forces.
High G-forces occur when a fighter jet rapidly accelerates, turns sharply, or performs aerobatic maneuvers. During such moments, gravity pushes blood away from the brain toward the lower body. If the pressure becomes too intense, the pilot may experience G-LOC (G-force induced Loss of Consciousness), commonly known as a G-force blackout.
Also Read: Did Tejas fighter that crashed at Dubai Air Show lose thrust?
“It is sad that our Tejas jet was crashed during the Dubai air show and our brave pilot lost his life. From the visuals, it seems that the jet lost control during the acrobatics, or there might have been a pilot blackout. Blackout here means the excessive gravitational force,” Captain Gaur said, expressing condolences to the family of Wing Commander Naman Syal, who died in the accident.
Fighter pilots wear specially designed G-suits that compress the legs and abdomen to help maintain blood flow to the brain, but if the suit malfunctions or the forces exceed tolerance levels, a blackout can still occur.
“Pilots wear a G-suit so that the blood does not pool in their legs; there might have been an issue with that. What exactly happened can only be determined once the cockpit data is retrieved. I express my condolences to the family of the pilot,” he added.
Excessive g-forces can restrict blood flow to the brain, leading to temporary loss of consciousness, potentially causing loss of aircraft control.
Speaking to ANI on Friday, Captain Gaur said the exact cause of the crash will be known only after the flight and cockpit data are analysed.
IAF confirms pilot’s death, orders inquiry
The Indian Air Force confirmed the death of the pilot after the aircraft crashed and burst into flames mid-display on Friday.
“An IAF Tejas aircraft met with an accident during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show today. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident. IAF deeply regrets the loss of life and stands firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,” the IAF said in a statement.
The force also announced that a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.
According to reports, the fighter jet went down shortly after take-off while performing aerobatic manoeuvres before a large audience. Local outlet Khaleej Times reported that the aircraft crashed moments after take-off, with eyewitness footage showing plumes of thick black smoke rising from the crash site.
One eyewitness quoted by the publication said, “As soon as the plane took off, it crashed. I am not sure which aircraft it was.”
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