Events

F-16 Crashes in Poland During Air Show Rehearsal, Pilot Killed

Events
F-16 Crashes in Poland During Air Show Rehearsal, Pilot Killed

Фото: Reuters

An F-16 fighter jet crashed in Radom, Poland, during preparations for an international air show, killing experienced pilot Maciej Krakowian, leader of the Tiger Demo Team. This marks the first F-16 accident in the history of the Polish Air Force.

This is reported by Polskieradio.

According to the municipal headquarters of the State Fire Service in Radom, the crash was reported at 19:27. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene. Preliminary reports indicate that the plane crashed onto the runway.

Poland’s Minister-Coordinator of Special Services, Tomasz Siemoniak, confirmed that the pilot had died, calling the incident “an extremely dramatic moment” for the Polish Air Force, as it was the first F-16 crash since the aircraft was introduced into service.

Journalists reported that the victim was a well-known Polish pilot, Maciej Krakowian, an instructor and demonstrator of the F-16’s combat capabilities. He led the Tiger Demo Team, famous for its performances at international air shows. Eyewitnesses said Krakowian did not have time to eject and died on the spot.

The causes of the accident are currently being investigated by special commissions. A large-scale air show had been scheduled at Radom Airport on August 30–31, featuring aerobatics, military maneuvers, and technical demonstrations. Following the tragedy, the organizers decided to cancel the event.

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