DUBAI – A Tejas light combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed Friday during an aerial demonstration at the Dubai Airshow, killing the pilot, according to the Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates.

The ministry said in a statement that the aircraft, participating in the day's flying display, went down in the afternoon. Emergency and firefighting teams responded immediately and are managing the situation on site.

Liu Rui, an employee of the Aero Engine Corporation of China who witnessed the incident, said the jet was performing a routine demonstration when it suddenly lost altitude and plunged rapidly. A plume of black smoke rose shortly after impact, prompting spectators near the runway to quickly retreat.

The airshow's afternoon program resumed after a brief suspension, a Xinhua correspondent witnessed.

The Dubai Media Office also confirmed the pilot's death, saying rescue teams acted swiftly and a medical evacuation helicopter was dispatched to the site about 25 minutes after the crash.

The incident occurred a day after India's Ministry of Defense dismissed social media claims alleging an "oil leak" from the Tejas aircraft during an earlier display in Dubai, calling the circulated videos "fake" and noting that the footage showed routine condensation drainage in humid conditions.

The Indian Air Force expressed deep grief over the pilot's death and said it stands with the bereaved family. A court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash.

India has maintained a strong presence at the Dubai Airshow, held from Nov 17 to 21, showcasing its aerospace and defense capabilities, including performances by the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team and displays of the Tejas aircraft.

Relevant authorities are conducting a further investigation into the incident.