A tragic accident struck Poland’s Air Force on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during rehearsals for the upcoming Radom International Airshow, killing its pilot.
The incident occurred in Radom, central Poland, around 1730 GMT, when the aircraft, belonging to the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan, lost control during an aerobatic maneuver. According to the General Command of the Armed Forces, the crash did not cause any civilian injuries, and immediate rescue operations were launched.
Poland’s Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the fatality, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the pilot. “A Polish Army pilot died in the crash of an F-16 aircraft — an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory,” he wrote on social media platform X after visiting the crash site.
Details of the Crash
Footage aired by Polish media showed the F-16 performing a barrel roll maneuver before losing altitude and striking the runway in flames. The impact caused extensive damage to the tarmac, forcing organizers to cancel the Radom Airshow, which had been scheduled for the weekend and was expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors.
Authorities confirmed that the crash was confined to the runway area, avoiding a larger catastrophe. No spectators were present at the time, as the incident took place during a rehearsal rather than the public event.
Investigation Underway
Military officials have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash, with experts set to examine both the wreckage and flight data records. The F-16, a cornerstone of Poland’s modern air fleet, is widely regarded for its reliability, making the incident particularly shocking for the Polish Air Force.
The tragedy has cast a somber shadow over Poland’s aviation community and the international airshow circuit. Tributes to the fallen pilot continue to pour in from military officials and citizens alike, honoring his service and sacrifice.
