A star pilot lost his life after a Polish Air Force F-16 crashed and burst into flames during a training flight. The deceased, Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian, was a decorated pilot whose skill and leadership earned him international recognition. The 39-year-old aviator’s death on Thursday evening near Poland was captured on graphic footage.
According to reports, the jet went down just after 7:00 p.m. near Radom, where pilots had been rehearsing routines ahead of one of the country’s biggest aviation events, the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Footage of the moment shows the aircraft soaring high in the sky before it dips and ultimately strikes the ground. The jet erupts into flames and skids across the earth for several miles. The horrifying scene left onlookers in shock. The cause of the crash is unknown, but investigators are probing the incident.
39-year-old Major Krakowian was at the centre of those preparations as he was the leader of Poland’s F-16 Tiger Demo Team. Reports indicate he was scheduled to headline the event with a display of aerial precision. His death marks the country’s first-ever loss of an F-16 aircraft and also stripped the air show of one of its most celebrated figures.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, speaking at the site, acknowledged the devastating blow, saying, “This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army.” Kosiniak-Kamysz praised Krakowian for his dedication to serving the country and being courageous.
In early August, Krakowian earned top honours for his flying demonstration in the United Kingdom. He received the prestigious “As the Crow Flies” Trophy at the Royal International Air Tattoo.
Over the course of his career, he logged more than 1,000 hours in the cockpit of the F-16. Beyond his role as a demonstration pilot, he also trained the next generation of aviators as an instructor at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań. He represented Poland in several multinational missions abroad.
