Watch the Moment a Polish F-16 Crashes During Airshow Rehearsal: Pilot Killed

Radom, Poland – 28 August 2025 – A tragic accident struck the Polish Air Force on Thursday when an F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed during a rehearsal for the Radom International Air Show, killing the pilot.

The jet, operated by the F-16 Tiger Demo Team, was performing aerobatic manoeuvres at Radom-Sadków Airport in central Poland when it lost control, struck the runway, and burst into flames.

Pilot Identified

Government spokesman Adam Szłapka confirmed the death of the pilot on social media but gave no further details. Polish media later identified the victim as Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian, the Tiger Demo Team commander and one of Poland’s most experienced display pilots.

According to reports, Major Krakowian did not eject from the aircraft and was killed instantly on impact.

Airshow Cancelled

The crash occurred around 17:30 GMT, severely damaging the runway. As a result, the Radom International Air Show, scheduled for this weekend, has been cancelled.

In a statement posted on X, the Polish Air Force expressed its grief:

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the tragic news that Major Maciej ‘Slab’ Krakowian, pilot of the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team, lost his life this afternoon during rehearsal for the Radom International Air Show.”

First F-16 Loss for Poland

This marks the first-ever crash of an F-16 in the history of the Polish Air Force, which has operated the American-built jets since 2006. The incident is under investigation.