A US aerobatic pilot has voiced strong criticism of the Dubai Airshow’s decision to continue its flying program after an Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet crashed, resulting in the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal. Pilot Taylor “FEMA” Hiester called the organizers’ choice to proceed ‘shocking’ and revealed his team’s decision to pull out of their final performance as a gesture of respect.
Sharing his experience on Instagram, Hiester explained that his team was preparing for their last display of the airshow when the tragic accident occurred. While the organizers maintained the flying schedule, Hiester stated that multiple teams, including his own, opted to cancel their final performances in solidarity with the fallen IAF officer and his colleagues. He reflected on the common airshow phrase, ‘The show must go on,’ acknowledging its truth but emphasizing its somber implications.
Hiester described the poignant scene observed from a distance following the crash. He noted the Indian technical crew standing silently next to the vacant spot where the Tejas had been parked, the aircraft ladder left on the tarmac, and the pilot’s personal effects remaining undisturbed in his rented vehicle. This quiet observation deeply impacted his team, highlighting the sudden and stark reality faced by those involved.
What further astonished Hiester was the airshow’s continuation of its festive atmosphere. After the fire was extinguished and the organizers confirmed the flying displays would resume, Hiester’s team made their definitive decision to withdraw. He observed the announcer’s continued enthusiasm, the crowd’s evident excitement during subsequent routines, and the show’s standard conclusion with sponsor acknowledgments. This disconnect between the ongoing spectacle and the recent tragedy was deeply unsettling for him.
This incident served as a profound personal awakening for Hiester, underscoring the fragility of life in the aviation world and the ultimate importance of human relationships over career achievements. He emphasized that the connections forged with his team and loved ones represent his true wealth and will be his lasting legacy, a sentiment he shared as a universally applicable lesson.