Polish airshow tragedy: F-16 crashes in fireball during rehearsal, veteran pilot killed
This is the horrifying moment, an F-16 jet nosedives towards the ground and erupts into a fireball after smashing into the runway.
The army veteran pilot was found dead, as terrifying footage shows the aircraft plummeting through the sky after performing a loop-the-loop.
Horrified onlookers in the Polish city of Radom, just 62 miles south of Warsaw, were left with their heads in their hands as they watched the crash during an airshow rehearsal.
Video from the scene appears to show the F-16 soaring to high altitude before suddenly dropping at speed.
The pilot, believed to be Major Maciej Krakowian, attempts to turn in the air and pull off the stunt, but tragically crashes into the ground.
The deadly blast was met with a massive plume of black smoke rising into the sky.
Footage showed the flaming wreckage of the jet hurtling down the runway at Radom Airport shortly after 5:30 pm UK time.
The remains of the aircraft could be seen continuing to burn on the airfield as firefighters rushed to the scene.
It is still unclear if the pilot managed to eject and died during the fall or if they were killed instantly in the crash.
The Polish military confirmed no one on the ground was injured.
The aircraft was from the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan.
Investigations are now looking into the cause of the deadly accident.
The most likely cause of the crash is said to be due to the pilot stalling at a low altitude and a loss of lift after performing the move, local media site Onet reports.
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz paid tribute to the pilot as he said on X: "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."
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki also said: "I have received very sad news about the F-16 plane crash in which a Polish pilot died.
"I extend my most sincere condolences to the Family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord."
Local media named the pilot as legendary veteran Maciej "Slab" Krakowian.
He is said to be the leader of the Tiger Demo Team Poland and was recently awarded the prestigious ’As the Crow Flies Trophy’ at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK.
The AirSHOW Radom 2025 was scheduled to take place at Radom Airport over the weekend but has now been cancelled, reports TVN24.
It comes just days after a F/A-18 Hornet jet faced a similar horror runway crash.
The fighter jet burst into flames before crashing during a routine take-off.
The Boeing jet, operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, was seen roaring down the runway with flames trailing behind.
Moments later, a bright fireball engulfed the plane as it came down.
The two pilots on board are said to have ejected just moments before the jet crashed at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport in Malaysia.
Deputy Editor
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