The video shows the Tejas performing a tight barrel roll at an extremely low altitude. A sudden negative-G push disrupted the jet’s stability, causing it to plummet. A visual anomaly, appearing to be a small parachute, is visible between the 49- and 52-second marks, indicating Syal initiated his ejection when the aircraft was mere meters above the tarmac. Aviation experts suggest Syal likely attempted to regain control of the aircraft first, given the Tejas’s robust safety record, and only chose to eject when all other options were exhausted. Tragically, the ejection came too late for the parachute to function effectively at such minimal height.

This incident marks the first fatal crash in the Tejas’s decade of service. A previous incident near Jaisalmer in March 2024 saw the pilot safely eject. Wing Commander Syal was a respected officer, originally from Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra. He is survived by his wife, a retired wing commander, and their seven-year-old daughter. Images of Syal smiling hours before the accident, alongside a defence minister, have also surfaced. His remains were returned to Gaggal Airport, with funeral arrangements planned in Kangra, including full state and military honors, underscoring the profound grief felt across Himachal and the nation.