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The Indian fighter jet Tejas tragically crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Airshow on Friday, resulting in the pilot’s death. Online observers quickly speculated about the cause—though official explanations have yet to be released.
Speculation about technical problems with the Tejas had been circulating for days after a video appeared to show an “oil leak”.
Indian officials dismissed these claims, asserting that the observed fluid was part of routine maintenance draining, not indicative of a malfunction.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) clarified that the fluid was simply part of a standard pre-flight procedure to eliminate condensation buildup.
The PIB called the video a “fabricated story” aimed at damaging the fighter’s proven technical reliability.
Despite these assurances, social media users pointed out the video after the crash, highlighting that the Indian Air Force still proceeded to fly the aircraft despite apparent technical concerns.
Meanwhile, retired Air Marshal Asim Saleem explained that crashes during high-risk aerobatic displays are not uncommon.
“When you’re performing stunts close to the ground, there’s virtually no room for error,” he told Geo News.
He noted that such accidents often stem from pilot mistake or mechanical failure, and suggested the oil leak video might point to an actual technical issue.
“The Air Force chief also criticized Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s products, saying they don’t meet the Air Force’s quality standards,” he added.
Saleem also mentioned that the pressure to perform perfectly at air shows, with both pilots and aircraft under intense scrutiny, can increase the risk of errors.
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