Polish F-16 Crashes During Airshow Rehearsal, Pilot Killed

A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for the Radom Air Show in central Poland, killing the pilot, Major Maciej "SLAB" Krakowian, commander of the Tiger Demo Team. The crash occurred after the jet performed aerobatic maneuvers, nosedived, and exploded on the runway, which was damaged in the incident. Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz and Poland's President Karol Nawrocki expressed their condolences, honoring the pilot's dedication and service. No bystanders were injured, but the tragic accident led to the cancellation of the Radom Air Show, which was expected to feature multiple international military demonstration teams. The F-16 remains a key element of Poland's air combat capabilities, with the Tiger Demo Team serving as a prominent symbol of Polish air power at European events. This loss is deeply felt across the Polish Air Force and the wider military community.