Radom Airshow crash UPDATES: F16 pilot killed in horror nosedive crash pictured

RAF Cosford Air Show wrote on X: "We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, pilot of the Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team, lost his life this afternoon during a rehearsal for the Radom Airshow. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."

We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, pilot of the Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team, lost his life this afternoon during a rehearsal for the Radom Airshow. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/4iVUF0oYpm

— RAF Cosford Air Show (@cosfordairshow) August 28, 2025

Major Maciej "Slab" Krakowian was one of the most decorated Polish fighter pilots who died in the crash today.

"In a tragic accident in Radom, pilot Maj. Maciej "Slab" Krakowian died. We share in the pain of his family, loved ones, and members of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team Poland," said the Territorial Defence Forces.

Agnieszka Korajczyk-Szyperska, the mayor of Gostynin, the pilot's home town, said: "Pilot Maciej Krakowian, a native of Gostynin, died in an F-16 crash. Honour his memory! I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

Major "Slab" Krakowian was assigned to the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań-Krzesiny. As an instructor and team leader of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team Poland, he represented the Polish Air Force at prestigious air shows both domestically and internationally.

He graduated from the Aviation High School in Dęblin, after which he entered the United States Air Force Academy. He completed numerous courses and specialized training and participated in numerous international exercises and missions.

Tributes have poured in for Major Maciej "Slab" Krakowian who died when his F16 fighter jet crashed today.

The Military Recruitment Centre in Wrocław said: "In today's F-16 Tiger Demo Team crash in Radom, pilot Maj. Maciej "Slab" Krakowian was killed. There are no words to express how enormous this tragedy is. Rest in Peace!"

Major Maciej "Slab" Krakowian was the pilot of the F16 fighter jet which crashed in Poland today.

He was the leader of Tiger Demo Team, and recently awarded the prestigious "As the Crow Flies Trophy" at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK.

The F-16 was flying at maximum power with the afterburner lit and was manoeuvering to complete a move when it crashed into the runway.

Videos didn’t appear to show an ejection and authorities have confirmed that the pilot tragically died.

Poland's Tiger Demo Team is famous around the world for its displays at airshows and today it posted on Instagram about looking forward to the event in Radom.

It stated: "Today we have triple reasons to celebrate! Polish Aviation Day – a day of pride, tradition, and passion that unites everyone who belongs to the sky.

"Premiere of the film 'Decade of the Tiger' – tonight at 20:00 on the YouTube channel [Polska Zbrojna]. Grab your popcorn and let’s relive the Tiger’s past decade of displays together.

"Radom AirShow is almost here – and today at 19:00 our Tiger will perform a familiarization flight over Radom. Have a great Thursday, August 28th!"

Flights to and from Radom Airport may be diverted tomorrow following the fatal crash involving an F16 fighter jet.

The tragedy, where the pilot died, took place during rehearsals for an internationally recognised air show, set to have taken place this weekend, but local reports say that has now been cancelled.

A final decision will be made tomorrow on the day, as to whether planes are to be allowed to depart or land in Radom - or be diverted to Warsaw. But with the runway badly damaged it may well be that the airport will not be ready to be used.

According to the schedule on the Warsaw-Radom airport website, two arrivals were planned for Friday - from Rome and Preveza (Greece) - and one departure, to Preveza.

"Our operations centre is in contact with the services in Radom and as soon as they confirm information, we will keep our passengers informed," said LOT Polish Airlines spokesman Krzysztof Moczulski.

The Spanish Air Force has expressed its "deepest sorrow" after a Polish military pilot died during preparations for an air show in Radom.

It stated on X: "The Air Force wishes to express its deepest sorrow for the tragic accident that occurred today in Radom (Poland), in which an F-16 crashed during rehearsals for the upcoming air festival, resulting in the death of its pilot.

"We join in the sorrow of our colleagues from the Polish Air Force and offer our heartfelt support to their family and loved ones during these very difficult times. Likewise, we report that the 15 members of the (Spanish) Air Force deployed in Radom are in perfect condition. Rest in peace."

Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk has offered his "deepest condolences" to the family of the pilot who died.

"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 wrote on X.

And Deputy Prime Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, said: "I am at the scene of the tragedy. 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."

The F-16 was flying at maximum power with the afterburner lit and was manoeuvering to complete a move when it crashed into the runway.

The video doesn’t appear to show an ejection and authorities have confirmed that the pilot tragically died.

The tragic moment the F16 fighter jet plummeted towards the ground and then hit the runway as it attempted to sweep away has been caught on video.

Immediately after the plane hit the runway it burst into flames and wouldn't have given the pilot time to eject.

A pilot whose F16 fighter jet crashed during rehearsals for an airshow this weekend in Poland, tragically died, confirmed a government minister.

"A tragic evening for the Polish Air Force, the crash of an F-16 aircraft. I just spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Minister of Defense, who is traveling to Radom. (...) The pilot did not survive," the Minister of Special Services, Tomasz Siemoniak, told TVN24.

Thousands of plane enthusiasts visit the biennial air show which is the biggest in Poland to see the displays.

The International Air Show Radom this year is due to take place this coming weekend August 30-31 at Radon airport, and is a sell out with 90,000 tickets sold.

"This is undoubtedly the largest aviation event in Poland, both in terms of the programme and the number of spectators," said spokesman Lieutenant Marcin Helak.

The F-16 fighter jet which crashed is believed to belong to the country's air force.

The Tiger Demo Team Poland is the official air display team of the Polish Air Force.

It is based at the Poznań-Krzesiny military airfield, where the F-16 Jastrząb aircraft of the 31st Tactical Air Base are also stationed.

A witness has told of seeing an F-16 aircraft from the Tiger Demo team nosediving over the runway, failing to recover, and then hitting the ground.

The plane immediately burst into flames with firefighters rushing to the scene.