According to an official statement from the Dubai government, the pilot of an Indian fighter aircraft died in the crash that occurred today during the airshow. Images shared on social media show the aircraft falling at high speed until impact, which caused a violent explosion and a fire at the point of impact; among the spectators there was evident dismay. The footage shows a dense column of smoke rising from the scene, while emergency teams immediately proceeded to the site for rescue, firefighting and securing the area. The incident occurred on the final day of the largest airshow in the Middle East (see AVIONEWS), which had scheduled flight displays every afternoon. Authorities have confirmed the death of the pilot and initiated the investigative procedures provided for incidents of this type: on-site surveys, acquisition of video sequences, interviews with witnesses and analysis of the aircraft’s recoverable systems (black box, if present, and sensor recordings). 

At the moment no hypotheses about technical or operational causes have been released; any determination will require forensic analyses and coordination with the competent aviation safety bodies.

The event organizers expressed their condolences to the families and will cooperate with the authorities. Developments will be communicated as soon as further elements from the investigation become available.