A Polish Air Force demonstration pilot died Thursday evening when his F-16 fighter jet went down during a practice flight just days before a high-profile airshow.
According to The Daily Caller, Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian was performing maneuvers near Radom ahead of the AirSHOW Radom 2025 when his aircraft crashed, claiming his life and prompting national mourning.
The fatal crash occurred around 7:25 p.m. local time on August 28, as Krakowian participated in a scheduled training session. He was preparing for a public demonstration by the Polish F-16 Tiger Team at the upcoming aviation event set for the weekend. The airshow, hosted in Radom, is one of the country’s largest military aviation spectacles and draws thousands of spectators each year.
The crash site is located near Radom, a city positioned roughly 65 miles south of Poland's capital, Warsaw. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the jet plunge at a steep angle before impacting the ground in a fireball. Video captured by bystanders showed the aircraft trailing flames before the crash. No other personnel or civilians were harmed in the incident.
Major Krakowian, 35, led the elite demonstration team and was a widely recognized figure within the aviation community. Known by his call sign “Slab,” he regularly posted updates on his life and his role as a military aviator on social media. His Instagram account, @slab_twindad, revealed a deep passion for flight and frequent tributes to time spent with his young family.
Polish Leaders React With Tributes of Service
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz arrived at the crash site later that evening. He commended the pilot’s professional dedication and acknowledged the loss as a severe blow to the nation’s armed forces. In a public statement, he said the late officer served Poland “with dedication and great courage.”
“I am at the scene of the tragedy,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz. “In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died—an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication.” The Deputy Prime Minister extended condolences to the family, calling the incident “a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army.”
General Ireneusz Nowak, a high-ranking official in the Polish military, confirmed that Major Krakowian is survived by his wife and two young sons. The family was well known among the military community and frequently featured in the pilot’s posts and public appearances.
Public Shocked as Crash Comes Days Before Major Event
The tragic crash drew widespread attention not only due to its timing but also because of the pilot's significant standing within the Air Force. The F-16 Tiger Demonstration Team often headlines military air exhibitions across Europe, showcasing Polish aviation capabilities at both national and international venues.
The airshow in Radom typically draws spectators, aviation enthusiasts, and military delegations from around the world. The fatal accident cast uncertainty over upcoming show segments involving Polish military hardware, though organizers have not announced changes to the overall schedule.
In the days leading up to the crash, Krakowian and his team had been training for several high-speed, precision aerial stunts. The performance was meant to be one of the key highlights of the weekend’s program. This year's edition of the Radom airshow marked a return to full-scale programming following previous pandemic-related disruptions.
Eyewitness Accounts Paint Harrowing Picture
Footage shared by people near the scene revealed the aircraft banking sharply during a maneuver before entering a rapid descent. Witnesses reported hearing the engine roar before the aircraft nosedived and exploded upon impact, scattering debris across the field.
While investigators are still analyzing the cause, video evidence and witness testimony suggest the pilot attempted to manage his course but failed to regain altitude. The aircraft reportedly caught fire during the final moments of the dive. The crash did not result in any injuries to individuals on the ground, as the training session was conducted in a sparsely populated area.
The Ministry of National Defence is expected to lead the formal probe into the circumstances surrounding the crash, including reviewing flight logs and pilot communications. Weather conditions at the time of the accident have not yet been linked to the incident, and no technical malfunction has been publicly confirmed.
Similar Incidents Raise Airshow Safety Concerns
This event follows closely behind another unsettling episode involving military aircraft. Just weeks prior, a Spanish Air Force F-18 Hornet experienced a near-disaster during an airshow in Gijón, Spain. That aircraft avoided crashing, but incidents like these have reignited public concerns around jet performances at public events.
With high speeds and complex aerobatics, airshow rehearsals often carry significant risks. Pilots in demonstration units receive additional training, but when aircraft travel at supersonic speeds, even minor miscalculations can prove fatal. The aviation community typically conducts thorough safety assessments after any crash of this magnitude.
In light of Major Krakowian’s prominence and the visibility of the upcoming airshow, the Polish military may face pressure to reevaluate its performance protocols. Officials have not indicated whether performances by the Tiger Team will be suspended or adjusted.
Community and Military Mourn the Loss
Social media users and fellow service members around Poland posted tributes to the fallen pilot in the hours following the crash. Many highlighted his dual devotion to his country and his young family, noting the loss for both the military community and the private lives of those closest to him.
The pilot’s role as a public-facing figure made him especially well known among young aviation fans and aspiring military personnel. His engaging online presence and commitment to showcasing Air Force work endeared him to a wide audience. His passing marks the latest in a string of military aviation fatalities over the past year.
Funeral arrangements have not been publicly announced, and the Air Force has so far limited its comments to official statements. A display honoring Krakowian is expected to be included during this weekend’s event in Radom, though attendance by military officials and his family has not been confirmed.
Investigation and Memorials Expected to Follow
As authorities continue to analyze the cause of the accident, tributes are likely to grow across various branches of the Polish Armed Forces. Airshows have long served as demonstrations of national pride and technological advancement, and yesterday’s crash has sparked reflections on the sacrifices behind the spectacle.
Major Krakowian will be remembered not only for his flying skills but for the personal impact he had on those around him. With a career marked by determination and leadership, he leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the cockpit. His death is being treated as a tragic reminder of the dangers inherent in military aviation.
Government and defense officials are expected to continue offering support to the pilot’s family in the weeks ahead. Conversations about airshow safety protocols are also likely to intensify as the military evaluates the future role of aerial demonstrations in its public outreach strategy.
