In a heart-wrenching revelation, Group Captain M.S. Syal (retd.), father of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Squadron Leader Siddharth Syal, shared how he learned about his son’s fatal Tejas fighter jet crash in Rajasthan. The young pilot, part of a routine training mission, died on May 8, 2024. Speaking to NextMinuteNews, Syal recounted discovering the tragedy while desperately searching for videos of his son online.
The Tragic Day of the Tejas Crash
Squadron Leader Siddharth Syal, a decorated NDA alumnus, was flying a Tejas Mk-1 from Jaisalmer Air Base when the jet crashed near Pokhran. The IAF launched an investigation, but the Syal family endured agonizing uncertainty.
Group Captain Syal, a retired IAF officer, first heard vague reports of a Tejas crash. “I heard whispers but no confirmed details,” he said. With no official word, he turned to social media and news sites for answers.
Frantic Online Search for Answers
“I started searching for videos of my son,” Syal recalled, his voice breaking. “I needed to know if he was safe.” His search led to grainy footage of the crash site, showing the wreckage but no sign of Siddharth.
“Then I saw a photo of the ejection seat,” he said. “My heart sank—I knew the risks.” Hours later, the IAF confirmed Siddharth had not survived ejection.
A Father’s Pride Amid Grief
Squadron Leader Siddharth Syal, 32, was a celebrated aviator. “He lived for flying,” his father said. Tributes poured in under #SaluteToSiddharth, with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh calling him a “national hero.”
Tejas Safety Under Scrutiny
This was the first fatal crash of India’s indigenous Tejas jet since its 2016 induction. The IAF’s Court of Inquiry is probing possible technical failures, but Syal refuses to blame the aircraft: “Flying fighters is dangerous—Siddharth knew that.”
A Legacy of Bravery
As India mourns, Syal finds solace in his son’s courage. “He was a warrior till the end.” The tragedy highlights the sacrifices of armed forces families.
NextMinuteNews honors Squadron Leader Siddharth Syal and all who protect our skies. Jai Hind.
