Tejas Crash: Understanding the Negative G Manoeuvre That Led to the Fatal Dubai Air Show Accident

An LCA Tejas fighter jet that went down during the Dubai Air Show was performing a negative G turn shortly before it struck the ground, according to aviation experts who examined early visuals of the sequence. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the pilot lost his life in the crash, calling it a major setback for the force.

What the Videos Indicate

Although the exact cause will be known only after a full investigation, videos from the air show show the Light Combat Aircraft suddenly losing height as it tried to level out after completing a loop. The rapid drop became critical within moments, leaving too little time for recovery.

What Negative G Means in Flight

Negative G refers to forces acting opposite to natural gravity on an aircraft and everything inside it. These forces usually occur during aerobatic turns, steep descents or unexpected turbulence.

If a pilot cannot manage these forces properly, blood can rush toward the head, leading to disorientation or even loss of consciousness. This is why pilots undergo rigorous training to handle negative G scenarios safely.

Service Record and Background of the Aircraft

The Tejas involved in the crash was part of a squadron based in Sulur, Tamil Nadu, and had been operating since 2016. After the recent retirement of the Russian origin MiG 21s, Tejas had taken on the role of a key frontline fighter for the Indian Air Force. It also has one of the strongest safety records in the fleet, with this accident being only the second in twenty four years.

The first crash took place in March 2024 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, twenty three years after the aircraft's first test flight in 2001.

Why Tejas Is Designed to Be Unstable

The Tejas is intentionally built to be aerodynamically unstable, which helps it achieve higher agility during combat or aerobatic displays. This design requires a highly advanced fly by wire computer system to maintain stability throughout the flight.

The American F 16 uses a similar approach, relying on controlled instability to boost manoeuvrability during demanding missions.