Polish F-16 Crashes at Radom Airshow Rehearsal, Pilot Fatally Injured
During preparations for Poland's Radom Airshow on Thursday evening, a tragic accident occurred involving a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet, resulting in the death of the pilot. As a result, authorities decided to cancel the much-anticipated weekend air display, which had been expected to attract thousands of spectators.
The incident happened at approximately 17:30 GMT when the F-16, part of the Polish Air Force’s Tiger Demo Team, crashed on the runway in Radom, located about 100 kilometers south of Warsaw. Reports indicated that the aircraft hit the ground with significant force, causing extensive damage to the runway.
Videos from eyewitnesses circulating on social media showed the fighter jet descending and bursting into flames, though these videos have not been independently validated.
Government spokesperson Adam Szlapka confirmed the pilot's death, and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz quickly went to the crash site. In a statement shared on social media, the minister honored the fallen pilot:
“In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died – an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences. This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army.”
While the pilot's identity has not been officially confirmed, reports suggest he was Major pil. Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, a highly experienced and renowned air display pilot in Poland. Krakowian, a member of the Tiger Demo Team, was highly regarded in aviation circles. Numerous social media tributes have been posted in mourning of his death.
Officials reported that there were no injuries to civilians on the ground, despite the proximity of the crash to the runway. Emergency teams swiftly managed to extinguish the fire and secure the area.
The Radom Airshow, one of the largest aviation events in Central Europe, was slated for the upcoming weekend. In light of the tragedy, the organizers have cancelled the event to honor the deceased pilot and ensure safety during the ongoing investigations.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a key component of NATO's air power. The crash has prompted questions about potential technical failures, pilot error, or environmental conditions, though no official cause has been identified. Military investigators have initiated a comprehensive inquiry.
This incident is the latest in a series of global aviation-related accidents that highlight the dangers associated with high-performance fighter jets, particularly during air displays.
