Polish pilot Major Maciej Krakowian died in the F-16 crash
Know more about Major Maciej Krakowian, the Polish Armed official, who passed away tragically in an accident.
The Armed Forces of Poland is currently in mourning after the untimely demise of their Polish Air force ace, who tragically died in an F-16 crash that took place in Radom.
Who is Polish pilot Major Maciej Krakowian, who died in F-16 plane crash during Radom Air Show 2025
The Polish F-16 Tiger Demo jet crashed while rehearsing for the Radom Air Show 2025, which is set to take place on August 30 and 31 in Poland after pilot Maciej didn’t manage to eject and died as a result of the crash.
The pilot who died in the F-16 Tiger Demo jet crash in Radom, Poland, was Maciej Krakowiak, who is the commander of the Polish Air Force aerobatic team “Tigers” (Tiger Demo Team).
What Exactly Happened?
Earlier, reports emerged suggesting that an F-16 crashed during training exercises in Radom, before an AirShow, which was scheduled for August 30-31, killing a Polish Army pilot, Major Maciej Krakowian, who was lovingly called “Slab.”
Alongside the rest of the airshow and aviation industry, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Major Maciej Krakowian during a rehearsal display in Poland yesterday.
Maciej, also known as SLAB, and his aircraft starred in the flying display at this year’s Royal International… pic.twitter.com/8PJtrCNhjT
— Royal International Air Tattoo (@airtattoo) August 29, 2025
After learning about the untimely demise of the air force ace, who passed away at the age of 35, the Territorial Defense Forces, took to X/Twitter and released a statement, wherein they shared their condolences to the family of the Major.
A video of the incident has been shared online, which has sparked a widespread debate online, while leaving netizens heartbroken after witnessing the horrified crash.
A Polish F-16 Tiger Demo jet crashed while rehearsing for the Radom Air Show 2025, which is set to take place on August 30 and 31 in Poland.
The pilot didn't manage to eject and died as a result of the crash. pic.twitter.com/zJ5Ao3TRpv
— TabZ (@TabZLIVE) August 28, 2025
What Did Territorial Defense Forces Say?
In an X/Twitter post, the Territorial Defense Forces penned, “W tragicznym wypadku w Radomiu zginął pilot F-16 – oficer Wojska Polskiego. Łączymy się w bólu z rodziną, bliskimi i członkami grupy F-16 Tiger Demo Team Poland,” translated to “In a tragic accident in Radom, an F-16 pilot – an officer of the Polish Army – was killed. We join in the pain with the family, loved ones, and members of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team Poland.”
Who was Major Maciej Krakowian?
Rest in Peace – Major Maciej Krakowian pic.twitter.com/BrOPqCVwUo
— Tactical Tipu (@Tipu_Creativity) August 28, 2025
Major Maciej Krakowian was a demonstration pilot and a leader of F-16 Tiger Demo Team. Additionally, he worked as an instructor-pilot at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań-Krzesiny.
The ace of the air force completed his graduation in Dęblin from Aviation High School, and furthermore, the official went to the United States Air Force Academy, wherein he did multiple courses and specialized in various trainings, participated in several exercises and missions.
The Air force official, had reportedly logged for more than 1,400 flight hours, including approx. 1,200 in the F-16, the very same plane, that killed him. Maciej Krakowian served in the air force for about 17 years.
It is with deep sorrow that we share the tragic news that Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, pilot of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team, lost his life this afternoon during rehearsal for the Radom Airshow.
🕊️ Blue skies and eternal tailwinds, SLAB. You will never be forgotten. 🐅🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/xnQ9pmWp5y
— European Airshows (@EuroAirshow) August 28, 2025
A few weeks before his death, Maciej Krakowian was honored with the prestigious As the Crow Flies Trophy. The official was awarded the title at the Royal International Air Tattoo, which is the world’s largest military aviation event. Major Maciej Krakowian is survived by his wife, Magda, and two twins.
🇵🇱🕊 The pilot that died in the F-16 Tiger Demo jet crash in Radom, Poland, was Maciej Krakowiak, who is the commander of the Polish Air Force aerobatic team "Tigers" (Tiger Demo Team). pic.twitter.com/hby9kPv7Y3
— SYMBOL OF HOPE🫡 (@Chipropro) August 28, 2025
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