A nation in mourning: a crushing blow in the skies above Radom
The skies over Radom, Poland, turned from awe‑inspiring to tragic on the evening of August 28, 2025, when a Polish Air Force F‑16 fighter jet crashed during rehearsal for the upcoming Radom Air Show. The pilot, Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, a celebrated ace and leader of the Tiger Demo Team, lost his life in the accident, sending shockwaves across the military and aviation communities.
What happened?
At approximately 19:30 local time (17:30 GMT), the F‑16, assigned to the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań, was performing an aerobatic barrel‑roll or inside‑loop maneuver during its rehearsal at Radom Air Base.
Witnesses on the ground captured harrowing footage, showing the jet descending rapidly, erupting in flames upon impact, and sliding along the runway. Sadly, Major Krakowian did not eject. The jet was completely destroyed, and no bystanders were harmed.
Who was Major Krakowian?
A revered and accomplished pilot, Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian was the leader of Poland’s F‑16 Tiger Demo Team, an elite demonstration unit under the 6th Fighter Squadron.
Earlier this month, he received the “As the Crow Flies” Trophy at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK—an honor attesting to his extraordinary skill and showmanship.
With over 1,000 flight hours on the F‑16 and roles as both instructor and combat-proven pilot, he embodied dedication, precision, and courage.
National response & aftermath
The crash led to the immediate cancellation of the Radom Air Show, slated for August 30–31—a blow to one of Central Europe’s largest aviation festivals.
High-ranking officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz, were quick to express their grief and pay tribute: “An officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory,” he wrote, offering deepest condolences to the pilot’s family.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk also posted heartfelt condolences, calling the crash “a great loss for the Polish Air Force”. International partners, including Italy and Latvia, extended their support and sorrow.
Poland’s defense posture and aviation safety
This accident marks the first fatal F‑16 crash in Polish service, highlighting both the inherent risks of aerobatic military displays and the essential role of such events in showcasing national air power and training excellence.
Poland’s F‑16 fleet—first acquired in 2003—remains a critical component of its NATO‑aligned air defence. The loss underscores the challenges faced as the nation modernizes its air capabilities, including the planned introduction of F‑35A stealth jets.
What’s next?
An official investigation is already underway, led by military commissions and prosecutors, tasked with uncovering the crash’s cause—be it technical malfunction, pilot error, or environmental factors.
Rescue units responded swiftly, but the outcome was irrevocable. As details emerge, the aviation community awaits clarity with heavy hearts.
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