Poland’s aviation community is mourning the loss of Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian after his F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for the Radom International Air Show, marking the first-ever crash of a Polish F-16 since the aircraft entered service in 2006.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 7:25 p.m. local time on Wednesday, 28 August 2025, at Radom-Sadków Airport in central Poland. The F-16C Block 52+ fighter, piloted by Major Krakowian, commander of the prestigious F-16 Tiger Demo Team from the 6th Fighter Squadron, was performing a barrel roll aerobatic manoeuvre when it suddenly nosedived into the runway and erupted in a massive fireball.
Witnesses captured horrifying footage showing the aircraft descending rapidly with its afterburner engaged before impacting the ground. The jet skidded nearly 60 metres along the runway after the initial impact, leaving a trail of destruction. Major Krakowian did not eject and was confirmed dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Immediate Response and Air Show Cancellation
Poland’s Ministry of National Defence acted swiftly in response to the tragedy, suspending all military participation in air shows until further notice. The Radom Air Show 2025, one of Europe’s largest aviation events scheduled for 30-31 August and expected to attract 180,000 spectators, was immediately cancelled.
Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz rushed to the crash site and paid tribute to the fallen pilot in a statement on social media: “A Polish Army pilot died in the crash of an F-16 aircraft – an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory.”
The minister added: “To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences. This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Armed Forces.”
Decorated Pilot and Award-Winning Display Team Leader
Major Krakowian was not just any pilot – he was one of Poland’s most experienced and decorated F-16 aviators. With over 1,000 flight hours on the F-16C Block 52+, he had been leading the Tiger Demo Team since 2023, having previously served as the team’s narrator and safety observer from 2016.
Just over a month before his death, Major Krakowian had received international recognition at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2025 in Fairford, United Kingdom. He was awarded the prestigious “As the Crow Flies Trophy” by the Friends of RIAT community for delivering the best overall flying demonstration. Organisers praised his “dynamic and technically precise presentation” that showcased the capabilities of Poland’s F-16 fleet.
The Tiger Demo Team, known for being the only European F-16 demonstration team to fly with conformal fuel tanks during the 2025 airshow season, had most recently performed at the Meeting International de la Somme–Hauts-de-France at Albert-Picardie Airport in France on 23-24 August, just days before the fatal crash.
More Than a Pilot – A Teacher and Inspiration
Major Krakowian’s influence extended beyond the cockpit. He was featured in the second episode of the documentary series “Pajączkowska do wojska” (Pajączkowska to the Army), where he shared his philosophy on military aviation with journalist Karolina Pajączkowska at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Krzesiny near Poznań.
“Anyone can be taught to fly, especially in civil aviation,” Major Krakowian explained in the documentary. “But when it comes to combat aviation, beyond manual skills and theory that can sometimes be memorised, the most important thing is passion. Passion, determination, and dreams that we are 100% determined to realise.”
He also spoke about the enduring capabilities of the F-16, noting that whilst the aircraft design was over 50 years old, continuous modernisation kept it at the cutting edge. “The fact that the shell looks the same after 50 years doesn’t mean the heart hasn’t changed. The engines have changed, all the avionics have changed, so the aircraft we talked about 30 years ago and the current aircraft are two completely different machines.”
Historic First for Polish F-16 Fleet
The crash represents a dark milestone in Polish military aviation history – the first loss of an F-16 since Poland became the first former Warsaw Pact member to acquire the American fighter in 2003. The Polish Air Force received its first F-16s in November 2006, and the fleet has maintained an exemplary safety record for nearly two decades.
Poland operates 48 F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft, considered among the most advanced F-16s in NATO service. Equipped with helmet-mounted cueing systems, Sniper targeting pods, and armed with AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles, these aircraft form the backbone of Polish air defence capabilities.
The acquisition of F-16s marked a crucial milestone in Poland’s post-Cold War military transformation, representing the country’s commitment to NATO standards and Western defence integration. The programme has been so successful that Poland is now in the process of further modernising its air force with 32 F-35A Lightning II fighters ordered in 2020.
Investigation Underway
Multiple agencies have launched investigations into the crash. The Commission for the Investigation of National Aviation Accidents (KBWLLP), which handles state and military aircraft incidents in Poland, is leading the technical investigation. In parallel, the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office has opened a criminal investigation under provisions covering catastrophes in air traffic resulting in death.
Investigators have secured the aircraft’s flight recorder, which will be crucial in determining the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest the aircraft was performing a standard aerobatic manoeuvre when something went catastrophically wrong, leaving the pilot no time to eject.
International Aviation Community Mourns
The loss of Major Krakowian has resonated throughout the international military aviation community. European Airshows posted a touching tribute: “It is with deep sorrow that we share the tragic news that Major Maciej ‘SLAB’ Krakowian, pilot of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team, lost his life this afternoon during rehearsal for the Radom Airshow. Blue skies and eternal tailwinds, SLAB. You will never be forgotten.”
General Luciano Portolano, Chief of the Italian Defence Staff, expressed “profound sorrow” on behalf of the Italian Armed Forces, extending condolences to his Polish counterpart, General Wiesław Kukuła. Latvia’s Defence Minister, who had visited Polish troops earlier that day, also expressed deep sadness at the loss.
Transforming Celebration into Mourning
The timing of the crash added to its poignancy – it occurred on Polish Aviation Day, traditionally a day of pride and celebration for the nation’s air force. Instead, it became what the Polish Armed Forces’ Operational Command described as “a moment of unimaginable grief and emptiness.”
The Radom Air Show, held biennially, is one of Poland’s premier aviation events, showcasing both military and civilian aircraft. This year’s event was expected to feature over 150 aircraft, with more than 100 scheduled to perform flying displays. The cancellation represents not just a logistical challenge but a mark of respect for the fallen pilot.
Legacy of Excellence
Major Krakowian leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication to Polish military aviation. As a graduate of both the Polish Aviation Training Institute in Dęblin and the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, he represented the best of international military cooperation and training.
His service record included numerous international missions beyond his display flying duties, reflecting the broader role of Poland’s F-16 pilots in NATO operations and collective defence. The Tiger Demo Team he led served as ambassadors for the Polish Air Force, showcasing the professionalism and capabilities of Poland’s military at air shows across Europe.
Moving Forward
As Poland mourns the loss of one of its finest pilots, questions will inevitably arise about the future of military air displays and the inherent risks involved in aerobatic flying. The Defence Ministry’s immediate suspension of military participation in air shows reflects the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident.
For now, the focus remains on supporting Major Krakowian’s family and colleagues whilst investigators work to determine what caused this tragic loss. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks military aviators face, not just in combat operations but in peacetime activities designed to showcase their skills and inspire future generations.
Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian’s final flight may have ended in tragedy, but his contributions to Polish military aviation and his passion for flying will not be forgotten. As he told viewers in his documentary appearance: “In the F-16, there’s no difference whether it’s a training or combat aircraft. After minor modifications and hanging the appropriate armament, the aircraft is 100% capable of combat operations.”
His words now serve as a testament to the dedication and professionalism he brought to every flight, whether in training, combat readiness, or thrilling crowds at air shows across Europe. The Polish Air Force has lost not just a skilled pilot, but a teacher, leader, and ambassador who embodied the very best of military aviation.
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