Major Maiej ‘Slab’ Krakowian died in the horror crash during rehearsals for the international air show this weekend with tributes flooding in, praising his work as a pilot
This is the horrifying moment a F16 fighter jet crashed at Radom Airshow.
Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian was the pilot who died in the horrific accident at about 7:25pm on Thursday. The crash happened during rehearsals for the international air show this weekend in Poland.
Horror footage showed the fighter jet nosediving toward the ground before the pilot appeared to attempt to pull up. Just moments later, the jet exploded into a massive fireball as shocked bystanders looked on in horror.
The aircraft appeared to have been flying at maximum power with the afterburner lit when it crashed into the runway. Videos did not show an ejection and authorities have confirmed Major Krakowian died.
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Major Krakowian had been the leader of the Tiger Demo team, and was recently awarded the prestigious ‘As the Crow Flies Trophy’ at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK. He was also one of Poland’s most decorated fighter pilots.
Tributes poured in for Major Krakowian following his tragic death. Many shared sympathies and thoughts to his family.
Agnieszka Korajczyk-Szyperska, the mayor of Gostynin, the pilot’s home town, said: “Pilot Maciej Krakowian, a native of Gostynin, died in an F-16 crash. Honour his memory! I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The RAF Cosford Air Show said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news that Major Maciej ‘SLAB’ Krakowian, pilot of the Polish F-16 Tiger Demo Team, lost his life this afternoon during a rehearsal for the Radom Airshow. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”
The Polish Military Recruitment Centre in Wrocław said there were “no words to express how enormous this tragedy is”. The Tiger Demo Team is famous around the world for its displays at air shows and they had posted to Instagram that they were looking forward to the event.
It stated: “Today we have triple reasons to celebrate! Polish Aviation Day – a day of pride, tradition, and passion that unites everyone who belongs to the sky.
“Premiere of the film ‘Decade of the Tiger’ – tonight at 20:00 on the YouTube channel [Polska Zbrojna]. Grab your popcorn and let’s relive the Tiger’s past decade of displays together. Radom AirShow is almost here – and today at 19:00 our Tiger will perform a familiarization flight over Radom. Have a great Thursday, August 28th!”
Major Krakowian was assigned to the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań-Krzesiny. As an instructor and team leader of the F16 Tiger Demo Team Poland, he represented the Polish Air Force at prestigious air shows both domestically and internationally.