A FIGHTER jet pilot who died in a tragic crash while performing a loop-the-loop in an F-16 has been dubbed a “legend”.
Army veteran pilot Major Maciej Krakowian was at the helm of the Polish aircraft when it nosedived and exploded after crashing into a runway.
Footage showed the flaming wreckage of the jet hurtling down the runway at Radom Airport
XThe aircraft erupted into a fireball upon impact[/caption]
Facebook/@F-16 Tiger Demo Team PolandPolish pilot Major Maciej Krakowian died in the crash[/caption]
Horrified onlookers in the Polish city of Radom, just 62 miles south of Warsaw, were left with their heads in their hands as they watched the crash during an airshow rehearsal.
Video from the scene showed the F-16 soaring to high altitude before suddenly dropping at speed.
The pilot then attempted to turn in the air and pull off the stunt, but tragically crashed into the ground.
The deadly blast was met with a massive plume of black smoke rising into the sky.
Major Krakowian received his pilot training from the United States Air Force Academy, according to Polish media.
He has been remembered as an experienced combat pilot with over 1,000 F-16 flying hours.
He is said to be the leader of the Tiger Demo Team Poland and was recently awarded the prestigious ‘As the Crow Flies Trophy’ at the Royal International Air Tattoo 2025 in the UK.
The pilot was also an instructor at the Polish Air Force’s 31st Tactical Air Base.
The remains of the aircraft could be seen continuing to burn on the airfield as firefighters rushed to the scene.
It is still unclear if the pilot managed to eject and died during the fall or if he was killed instantly in the crash.
The most likely cause of the crash is said to be due to the pilot stalling at a low altitude and a loss of lift after performing the move, local media site Onet reports.
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz paid tribute to the pilot as he said on X: “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.”
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki also said: “I have received very sad news about the F-16 plane crash in which a Polish pilot died.
Horrified onlookers in the Polish city of Radom watched on as an F-16 jet nosedives towards the ground
“I extend my most sincere condolences to the Family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”
The AirSHOW Radom 2025 was scheduled to take place at Radom Airport over the weekend but has now been cancelled, reports TVN24.
Facebook/@F-16 Tiger Demo Team PolandMajor Krakowian received his pilot training from the United States Air Force Academy[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
