Wings of Fire: Poland’s F-16 Demo Jet Crashes in Flames, Airshow Cancelled

Image Source: Youtube

In a tragic turn of events ahead of Poland’s premier aviation showcase, an F-16 fighter jet belonging to the Polish Air Force crashed during a rehearsal for the Radom Airshow 2025. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, August 28, at Radom Air Base, approximately 100 kilometers south of Warsaw. The crash claimed the life of Major Maciej Krakowian, a decorated pilot and leader of the Polish Air Force’s Tiger Demo Team.

Key developments from the crash site

- The crash happened around 7:25 pm local time while the aircraft was performing a high-speed aerobatic maneuver during final rehearsals for the weekend airshow
- Eyewitnesses and video footage captured the jet spiraling mid-air before slamming into the runway and erupting into a fireball
- Emergency response teams, including the airport fire brigade and units from the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, were dispatched immediately
- Despite rapid intervention, the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene, having had no opportunity to eject

About the pilot

1. Major Maciej Krakowian, known by his call sign Slab, was a seasoned combat pilot with over 1,000 hours of flight time in the F-16
2. He served as the lead demonstration pilot for the Polish Air Force’s Tiger Demo Team, based at the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań
3. Earlier this month, Krakowian was awarded the prestigious As the Crow Flies Trophy at the Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK for his exceptional flying skills
4. His death has been described as a profound loss by Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, who visited the crash site and paid tribute to the fallen officer

Impact on the Radom Airshow

- The Radom Airshow, scheduled for August 30 and 31, has been officially cancelled following the accident
- Organizers cited safety concerns and national mourning as reasons for the cancellation
- The event was expected to feature aerial displays from multiple international teams and draw thousands of spectators

Initial findings and investigation

- The aircraft involved was an F-16C Block 52+ equipped with conformal fuel tanks, part of the Tiger Demo Team’s fleet
- The maneuver being executed at the time of the crash was reportedly a barrel roll at high speed with afterburners engaged
- No civilians or ground personnel were injured in the crash
- An official investigation has been launched by the Polish Armed Forces to determine the technical and procedural causes of the accident

Public and military response

- Tributes have poured in from across Poland, with social media flooded by messages of condolence and admiration for Major Krakowian’s service
- Prime Minister Donald Tusk and other senior officials expressed their grief and support for the pilot’s family
- The Polish Air Force has declared a period of mourning and suspended all non-essential flight demonstrations

Legacy of the Tiger Demo Team

- The Tiger Demo Team is Poland’s elite F-16 demonstration unit, known for its precision flying and participation in international airshows
- The team is part of the 6th Fighter Squadron and has represented Poland in NATO exercises and global aviation events
- Major Krakowian’s leadership had elevated the team’s reputation, making it one of the most respected demo units in Europe

Looking ahead

- The crash has reignited discussions about safety protocols during airshow rehearsals, especially for high-performance jets
- Aviation experts are calling for enhanced simulation training and stricter maneuver guidelines during practice sessions
- The Polish Armed Forces are expected to review operational procedures and pilot support systems in light of the tragedy

Sources: Republic World, MSN News, News18, CBS News, The Aviationist, Newsweek