A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for the Radom Air Show in central Poland, resulting in the pilot’s death. The incident occurred around 1730 GMT as the aircraft performed a barrel roll maneuver before losing control and crashing into the runway, causing significant damage.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, honoring the pilot’s service to the nation. “The pilot was an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage,” he stated. The crash happened amid preparations for the annual airshow, which has since been canceled.
Witnesses described the aircraft executing a high-speed maneuver before abruptly spiraling into the ground, exploding in a fireball. Rescue teams arrived swiftly, but the pilot was unable to eject and died instantly. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the accident.
The 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań, which operated the aircraft, confirmed no bystander injuries. The incident occurred ahead of the scheduled August 30–31 event, drawing aviation enthusiasts and local spectators. The pilot, part of an elite NATO demonstration team, was not seen ejecting before the crash.
Poland’s F-16 fleet, acquired in 2003, remains a critical component of NATO’s defense strategy, with ongoing modernization efforts following heightened security concerns in recent years.