Polish F-16 pilot dies in horrific crash
(MENAFN) A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for the Radom Air Show on Thursday, killing the pilot instantly, the military has confirmed.
The tragic accident occurred at Radom Air Base, roughly 100 kilometers south of Warsaw, at 7:25 p.m. local time. The aircraft, part of the elite Tiger Demo aerobatic team, was performing a high-speed barrel roll when it lost control and struck the runway. Videos taken by bystanders show the jet rapidly descending with afterburners engaged before crashing and erupting in flames. There was no indication that the pilot attempted to eject.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but the pilot was declared dead on-site. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz described the incident as a significant loss for the nation’s military, offering condolences to the pilot’s family. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also expressed sorrow, calling it a “tragic and heartbreaking event.”
The deceased was identified as Major Maciej ‘SLAB’ Krakowian, the lead pilot of the Tiger Demo Team and a highly experienced performer. His planned display in the F-16 Fighting Falcon was set to be one of the highlights of the air show, showcasing high-intensity aerial maneuvers.
The aircraft was assigned to the 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny, near Poznan. No injuries were reported on the ground. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
The incident happened on Polish Aviation Day and just days before the official opening of the Radom Air Show, one of Europe’s largest aviation events. Organizers have since canceled the show in light of the tragedy.
The tragic accident occurred at Radom Air Base, roughly 100 kilometers south of Warsaw, at 7:25 p.m. local time. The aircraft, part of the elite Tiger Demo aerobatic team, was performing a high-speed barrel roll when it lost control and struck the runway. Videos taken by bystanders show the jet rapidly descending with afterburners engaged before crashing and erupting in flames. There was no indication that the pilot attempted to eject.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but the pilot was declared dead on-site. Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz described the incident as a significant loss for the nation’s military, offering condolences to the pilot’s family. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also expressed sorrow, calling it a “tragic and heartbreaking event.”
The deceased was identified as Major Maciej ‘SLAB’ Krakowian, the lead pilot of the Tiger Demo Team and a highly experienced performer. His planned display in the F-16 Fighting Falcon was set to be one of the highlights of the air show, showcasing high-intensity aerial maneuvers.
The aircraft was assigned to the 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny, near Poznan. No injuries were reported on the ground. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
The incident happened on Polish Aviation Day and just days before the official opening of the Radom Air Show, one of Europe’s largest aviation events. Organizers have since canceled the show in light of the tragedy.
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