A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday evening when his jet crashed during rehearsals for the Radom Air Show 2025.
The accident happened at Radom Airport as the aircraft attempted a complex maneuver ahead of the weekend event.
The pilot, Major Maciej “SLAB” Krakowian, was a leading member of Poland’s Tiger Demo Team.
Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described the death as a “great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army,” praising the officer’s skill and service.
Video footage shared online shows the jet losing control during a barrel roll before striking the runway and bursting into flames.
Emergency crews quickly responded, and no one on the ground was injured.
Following the tragedy, authorities cancelled the Radom Air Show, a biennial aviation showcase considered one of Poland’s most important public military events.
The jet involved was part of Poland’s front-line fleet used in NATO operations.
The crash has raised questions about flight safety during high-speed aerobatic displays.
An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the accident.