Login
Polish F-16 Tiger Demo crashes during Radom Air Show training
August 28, 2025 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The aviation world is in mourning after Major Maciej βSLABβ Krakowian, a highly regarded pilot with the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team, was killed in a tragic crash this afternoon during a rehearsal for the Radom International Airshow.
The F-16 fighter jet (#4056) crashed at the Radom airfield, south of Warsaw, while performing an acrobatic maneuver in preparation for the upcoming air show. Witnesses and video footage show the aircraft entering a steep descent, impacting the runway, and bursting into flames.
Major Krakowian was the sole occupant of the aircraft. A statement from the Polish military confirmed the fatality, expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to the pilot's service and dedication. "A Polish Army pilot died in the crash of an F-16 aircraft β an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage," said Defence Minister WΕadysΕaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, who traveled to the crash site.
The cause of the accident is not yet known, and an investigation is underway. The General Command of the Armed Forces confirmed that there were no injuries to anyone on the ground.
Major βSLABβ Krakowian was a celebrated figure in the air display community, known across Europe for his precision and passion for flight. He was recently recognized with the "As the Crow Flies" Trophy for the "best overall flying demonstration" at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in 2025. The Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team's official social media shared a poignant message, remembering him as "a pilot, a mentor, and a friend."
In the wake of the tragedy, the Radom International Airshow, one of Europe's largest aviation events, has been canceled. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the aviation community, which is remembering a pilot who inspired many with his skill and a deep love for flight.
"His legacy will live on in every crowd moved by the sound of afterburner thunder and the sight of a Fighting Falcon carving through the heavens," the demo team's tribute read. "Blue skies and eternal tailwinds, SLAB. You will never be forgotten."
In Memoriam
PolAF F-16C block 52 #4056 from 6 elt spotted in a very nice tiger scheme for the Tigermeet held at Konya AB on May 7th, 2015. [Photo by John de Winter]
Major Krakowian was the sole occupant of the aircraft. A statement from the Polish military confirmed the fatality, expressing deep sorrow and paying tribute to the pilot's service and dedication. "A Polish Army pilot died in the crash of an F-16 aircraft β an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage," said Defence Minister WΕadysΕaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, who traveled to the crash site.
The cause of the accident is not yet known, and an investigation is underway. The General Command of the Armed Forces confirmed that there were no injuries to anyone on the ground.
Major βSLABβ Krakowian was a celebrated figure in the air display community, known across Europe for his precision and passion for flight. He was recently recognized with the "As the Crow Flies" Trophy for the "best overall flying demonstration" at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) in 2025. The Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo Team's official social media shared a poignant message, remembering him as "a pilot, a mentor, and a friend."
In the wake of the tragedy, the Radom International Airshow, one of Europe's largest aviation events, has been canceled. The incident has cast a somber shadow over the aviation community, which is remembering a pilot who inspired many with his skill and a deep love for flight.
"His legacy will live on in every crowd moved by the sound of afterburner thunder and the sight of a Fighting Falcon carving through the heavens," the demo team's tribute read. "Blue skies and eternal tailwinds, SLAB. You will never be forgotten."
Related articles:
Forum discussion:
- Array
Additional images:
PolAF F-16C block 52 #4056 from 31 BLT is coming in for landing at Leeuwarden AB on April 8th, 2019 after another sortie during exercise Frisian Flag. [Photo by John de Winter]
PolAF F-16C block 52 #4056 from 6 elt is strolling past the lens at Konya AFB on May 5th, 2015 during the NATO Tiger Meet 2015. [Photo by Dirk A. Geerts]
PolAF F-16C block 52 #4056 from 6 elt is passing the lens at Poznan AB on May 27th, 2008. [Photo by PaweΕ Bondaryk]
