A Polish F-16 fighter jet tragically crashed during a training flight ahead of the Radom Air Show 2025, one of Europe’s premier aviation events. The crash occurred in Sadków, near Radom, as crowds of locals and aviation enthusiasts gathered to watch rehearsal flights ahead of the main event scheduled for August 30–31.
The jet was part of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team and was captured on video performing a steep, high-speed maneuver before suddenly losing control. Within seconds, it plunged nose-first into the ground and exploded in a massive fireball, sending thick black smoke into the sky. The horrifying incident was recorded from multiple angles by onlookers.
Tragic #PolishF16Crash: A fighter jet from the Tiger Demo Team crashed during Radom Air Show rehearsals, killing the pilot instantly.
The pilot did not survive, government spokesman Adam Szlapka told reporters.
Footage from social media.#radomairshow #BreakingNews… pic.twitter.com/Rl4PHoj9ZO
— LoudFact (@loudfactcom) August 28, 2025
Pilot Killed Instantly, Emergency Response on Site
Emergency crews responded immediately, but the pilot had no chance to eject and was killed instantly, officials confirmed. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash.
The plane crashed into the runway around 1730 GMT, damaging it, and as a result, the Radom Air Show planned for the weekend has been cancelled.
Defense Minister Pays Tribute
Tragedia w Radomiu, w trakcie przygotowań do AirShow rozbił się samolot F-16. Niestety pilot zginął. Premier @KosiniakKamysz jest w drodze na miejsce wypadku. Są w stałym kontakcie z Premierem.
— Adam Szłapka (@adamSzlapka) August 28, 2025
Adam Szlapka, government spokesperson, confirmed the death of the pilot on X, adding that Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz was on his way to the accident site.
“I am at the scene of the tragedy. In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died – an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to His memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences. This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army,” Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Pilot Identified, Airshow Team Reacts
The pilot is believed to have been Major pil. Maciej, SLAB Krakowian, described as “one of the most experienced and well-known air display pilots in Poland.” The Tiger Demo Team was scheduled to perform at the Radom Air Show with their F-16 Fighting Falcon. Several X handles began mourning his demise, though independent confirmation of the pilot’s identity at the time of the crash is pending.
Meanwhile, the Polish military confirmed that no one on the ground was hurt. The Radom Air Show is located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Warsaw.
