A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for the upcoming Radom Air Show in central Poland. The accident occurred during an aerial manoeuvre, and tragically, the pilot did not survive.

The jet, part of Poland’s Tiger Demo Team from the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań, was performing aerobatics when it lost control and crashed onto the runway. Eyewitness footage shows the aircraft descending rapidly and erupting in flames upon impact.

Following the crash, authorities canceled the 2025 Radom Air Show, originally scheduled to begin at the weekend. All flights were also diverted from Warsaw-Radom Airport to Warsaw Chopin due to the incident.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, visited the crash site and described the pilot’s death as “a great loss for the Air Force.” The victim was identified as Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian, a seasoned instructor and leader of the Tiger Demo team. NATO allies joined in expressing condolences.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash, including whether it resulted from pilot error, technical failure, or other factors.