Polish F-16 Jet Crashes at Radom Air Show, Pilot Died

Polish F-16 Jet Crashes at Radom Air Show, Pilot Dies in Tragedy

A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for the Radom Air Show, killing the pilot. The tragic event happened on August 28, 2025, at Radom Airport in central Poland. The jet, part of the elite F-16 Tiger Demo Team, went down during a high-risk aerobatic maneuver. Consequently, the air show, set for August 30-31, was canceled. This heartbreaking loss has left the aviation community in mourning. For more updates, visit

Poland F16 crash (@bialoglowy)

The crash occurred around 7:25 PM local time when the F-16, piloted by Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, hit the runway. Video footage shared on social media showed the jet performing a barrel roll before plummeting and bursting into flames. Sadly, the pilot could not eject. Emergency teams, including the airport fire brigade, rushed to the scene. Thankfully, no bystanders were hurt, as confirmed by the Polish Armed Forces.

Poland’s Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz visited the crash site. He shared his grief on X, saying, “A Polish Army pilot died in the crash – an officer who served with great courage. I pay tribute to his memory.” Likewise, Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed condolences. The pilot, Major Krakowian, was a decorated officer and leader of the Tiger Demo Team. Recently, he won the “As the Crow Flies Trophy” at the 2025 Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK, a prestigious award for his flying skills.

The Radom Air Show is Poland’s largest aviation event, drawing about 180,000 visitors. It showcases aircraft like Eurofighter Typhoons, Rafales, and Poland’s own F-16s. However, this tragedy has cast a shadow over the event. Organizers canceled the show to honor the pilot and ensure safety during the investigation. Meanwhile, questions about the crash’s cause—whether technical failure, pilot error, or other factors—are under review. The Polish military has launched a full investigation.

Poland’s F-16 fleet, with 35 F-16C and 12 F-16D jets, is a key part of NATO’s defense strategy. The country has used these jets since 2003 and plans upgrades with Lockheed Martin starting in 2028. This crash marks the first loss of a Polish F-16, making it a significant event for the nation’s air force. For more details on global aviation news, check Reuters.

To illustrate the scale of Poland’s F-16 operations, here’s a chart showing their active fleet compared to other NATO countries:

This chart highlights Poland’s significant but smaller F-16 fleet compared to the U.S., showing the jet’s importance in NATO’s framework. The data is sourced from public military reports and is optimized for both mobile and desktop viewing.

The loss of Major Krakowian has sparked tributes across social media. RAF Cosford Air Show wrote on X, “We are deeply saddened by this loss. Our thoughts are with his family and colleagues.” Similarly, the mayor of Gostynin, Krakowian’s hometown, said, “He was a hero who honored our city.” These heartfelt messages show the pilot’s impact on his community.

For aviation enthusiasts and those following global news, this crash raises concerns about air show safety. Although rare, such accidents remind us of the risks pilots take. Previous incidents at Radom, like the 2007 Zlin Z-526 crash and the 2009 Belarusian Su-27 crash, underline the dangers of aerobatic displays. As a result, the Polish Air Force may review its protocols.