A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during practice for an upcoming airshow, killing the pilot, the country’s army confirmed in a statement.
According to Polish media, the aircraft was performing a barrel roll aerobatic manoeuvre before it suddenly lost control and went down in flames. Video footage showed the jet hitting the ground and sliding while burning. Reports also noted that the pilot, who belonged to NATO’s elite “Tiger Demo” unit, did not attempt to eject before the crash.
Poland, Aug 28, 19:25 local: a Polish Air Force F-16 from the Tiger Demo Team crashed during rehearsal at Radom Air Base.
— Collectivistica Messorem (@PRWarRoom) August 28, 2025
The pilot, Maj. Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, was killed. Clips show a descending pass at full power, no ejection, no injuries on the ground. The Radom Air Show… pic.twitter.com/APkdS1QIPu
Crash Damages Runway and Cancels Airshow
Local outlets reported that the crash occurred around 1730 GMT on the runway, causing significant damage. As a result, organisers cancelled the Radom Airshow, which was scheduled for the weekend.
Defence Minister Pays Tribute
Poland’s Defence Minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, confirmed the tragedy on X. “In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died – 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,” he said.
Prime Minister Expresses Condolences
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also offered his sympathies. “In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish pilot was killed. Rest in peace! To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
W katastrofie samolotu F-16 zginął polski pilot. Cześć Jego pamięci! Rodzinie i bliskim składam z całego serca najgłębsze wyrazy współczucia.
— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) August 28, 2025