RADOM, Poland – August 28, 2025– A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet from the Tiger Demo Team crashed during a rehearsal for the upcoming Radom Air Show, resulting in the death of the pilot and the immediate cancellation of the event, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The accident occurred at Radom Air Base on August 28, just days before the scheduled AirSHOW Radom 2025 weekend festivities. The pilot, identified as Major Maciej Krakowian, was the sole occupant of the aircraft and perished in the crash. No other casualties were reported, and the incident marked the first loss of a Polish F-16 since the country began operating the jets in 2006 as part of its NATO integration and military modernization efforts.
Video footage circulating online captured the jet entering a steep dive before impacting the ground and erupting in flames. Polish authorities have launched a full investigation, with preliminary focus on potential mechanical failure or pilot error. The defense ministry expressed deep condolences to the pilot’s family and announced a temporary halt to all F-16 demonstration flights pending a safety review.
This tragedy echoes a previous fatal incident at the Radom Air Show in 2007, when two pilots died in a mid-air collision during a display. Poland currently maintains a fleet of 48 F-16 aircraft, which have played a key role in the nation’s heightened defense posture amid regional tensions, including increased military spending in response to geopolitical threats.
The cancellation of the air show, a popular biennial event attracting aviation enthusiasts from across Europe, underscores the inherent risks of military aviation demonstrations. Organizers stated that safety remains their top priority, and refunds will be issued to ticket holders. The crash has prompted renewed discussions on aviation safety protocols within NATO member states, as Poland continues to bolster its air capabilities in an evolving security landscape.
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