Horror Moment: F-16 Jet crashes and sends flames along the runway as the pilot dies after a looping maneuver for the airshow.

Tragic Incident with F-16 in Poland

According to The Sun: Terrible moments were captured as an F-16 jet abruptly crashes to the ground and explodes in a fireball after colliding with the runway.

The pilot, an army veteran, was found dead. Videos show the aircraft falling from the sky after an aerial maneuver.

Terrified witnesses in the Polish city of Radom, located just 100 km from Warsaw, observed the crash during an airshow rehearsal.

Causes of the Crash

The video shows the F-16 climbing to great heights and then abruptly crashing down. It is believed that the pilot, Major Maciej Krakowian, attempted to perform a turn but unfortunately lost control.

The explosion created a large column of black smoke rising into the sky. The video shows burning debris from the aircraft rolling along the runway of Radom Airport at 5:30 PM British time.

The wreckage continued to burn at the airfield as rescuers hurriedly provided assistance.

It is still unclear whether the pilot managed to eject or if he died immediately upon crashing. The Polish forces confirmed that no one on the ground was injured.

The aircraft belonged to the 31st Tactical Air Force Base in Poznan. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

Initial reports suggest that local media believe the cause of the crash might be a takeoff of the aircraft at low altitude and a loss of lift after the maneuver.

“I am at the accident site. In the crash of the F-16, the pilot of the Polish Army died – an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay my respects to his memory. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and relatives. This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army.”

— Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz

“I have received very sad news about the crash of the F-16, in which a Polish pilot lost his life. I extend my sincerest condolences to the family. Grant him eternal peace, Lord.”

— President of Poland Karol Nawrocki

Local media are calling the pilot the legendary veteran Maciej “Słabom” Krakowian. He was the team leader of the Tiger Demo Team Poland and recently received the prestigious 'Trophy 'Like a Sparrow' at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK.

The Radom Airshow 2025, which was scheduled to take place at Radom Airport, has been canceled according to TVN24.

This incident occurred just days after a F/A-18 Hornet was involved in a similar crash on the runway.

In that incident, the jet ignited before crashing during a routine takeoff. A Boeing aircraft belonging to the Royal Malaysian Air Force was seen racing down the runway with flames on the tail wing. Just a moment later, the jet was engulfed in a bright fireball as it landed.