A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a rehearsal for an airshow in Radom, central Poland, killing the pilot. The incident occurred around 1730 GMT as the aircraft performed a barrel roll aerobatic maneuver before losing control and crashing into the runway, causing significant damage. Government spokesman Adam Szlapka confirmed the pilot’s death on social media but provided no further details.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died – an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage.” He extended condolences to the pilot’s family and emphasized the loss to the Air Force and Polish Army.
The General Command of the Armed Forces reported that the aircraft involved belonged to the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznan, with no bystanders injured. Rescue operations were immediately launched at the scene. Footage from the event showed the jet crashing in flames after a high-speed maneuver, with witnesses describing the pilot’s inability to eject.
The Radom Air Show, originally scheduled for August 30–31, has been canceled. The incident occurred amid preparations for Europe’s largest aviation event, which typically draws international teams and thousands of spectators.
Poland acquired US-made F-16s in 2003 as a key component of NATO’s defense strategy. The country has since pursued fleet upgrades, partly driven by increased defense spending following Russia’s 2023 invasion of Ukraine. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the crash’s cause.
