On Thursday evening, a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet, part of the elite Tiger Demo aerobatic team, crashed during rehearsals for the Radom Air Show, resulting in the pilot’s instant death. The incident, which occurred at Radom Air Base, 100 km south of Warsaw, took place at 7:25 pm local time (5:25 pm GMT). The pilot was performing a high-speed barrel roll maneuver when the aircraft descended sharply, striking the runway and bursting into flames without the pilot managing to eject. Spectators and nearby residents captured video footage of the accident, which quickly spread on social media, highlighting the horror of the moment.
The pilot, Major Maciej ‘SLAB’ Krakowian, was one of Poland’s most experienced aerobatic pilots and the lead performer of the Tiger Demo Team. His display in the F-16 Fighting Falcon was set to be a highlight of the upcoming air show, demonstrating complex, dynamic maneuvers. The crash not only devastated the pilot’s family but also left the military and aviation community in mourning. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed profound grief, stating, “This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army.” Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed this sentiment, calling the incident “a tragedy that fills us with grief.”
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but the pilot was pronounced dead before they arrived. The Polish Armed Forces confirmed that the jet belonged to the 31st Tactical Air Base at Krzesiny, near Poznan. Officials emphasized that no one on the ground was injured, though the air show, which was set to attract international teams and thousands of spectators, has been canceled immediately. The crash has sparked an official investigation into the cause of the accident, with questions surrounding the pilot’s actions and the aircraft’s performance.
The incident occurred just days before the opening of the Radom Air Show, which was scheduled to be one of Europe’s largest aviation events. The tragedy has not only devastated the aviation community but has also raised concerns about safety in high-stakes aerobatic performances. The crash coincided with Polish Aviation Day, an event that celebrates the country’s aviation heritage. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the risks associated with extreme aviation maneuvers and the measures in place to prevent such accidents.