A tragic accident struck Polandโs Radom Airshow preparations on Thursday evening when a Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal, killing the pilot. The incident forced authorities to cancel the highly anticipated weekend air display, which was expected to draw thousands of spectators.
Crash During Rehearsal
The crash occurred around 17:30 GMT when the F-16, part of the Polish Air Forceโs Tiger Demo Team, went down on the runway in Radom, about 100 kilometres south of Warsaw. Reports indicated that the aircraft struck the ground with great force, causing severe damage to the runway.
Eyewitness videos circulating on social media showed the fighter jet plummeting and erupting in flames. However, these videos have not been independently verified.
Pilotโs Identity and Tributes
Government spokesperson Adam Szlapka confirmed the pilotโs death, while Defence Minister Wลadysลaw Kosiniak-Kamysz rushed to the crash site. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the minister paid tribute to the fallen airman:
โIn the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died โ 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.โ
Though official confirmation of the pilotโs identity is awaited, reports suggest he was Major pil. Maciej โSLABโ Krakowian, one of Polandโs most experienced and celebrated air display pilots. Krakowian, associated with the Tiger Demo Team, was widely admired in aviation circles. Several social media tributes have already poured in mourning his death.
No Civilian Casualties Reported
Authorities confirmed that no one on the ground was injured during the accident, despite the crash occurring near the runway. Fire and emergency teams quickly contained the blaze and secured the area.
Cancellation of Radom Airshow
The Radom Airshow, one of Central Europeโs largest aviation events, was scheduled for the upcoming weekend. Following the tragedy, organisers announced its cancellation as a mark of respect for the deceased pilot and to ensure safety during ongoing investigations.
Global Attention and Investigation
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, has been a cornerstone of NATO air power. The crash has raised questions about possible technical failures, pilot error, or environmental factors, though no official cause has been determined. Military investigators have launched a full inquiry.
This accident is the latest in a series of aviation-related incidents globally that have underscored the risks associated with high-performance fighter jets, especially during air displays.
