Polish pilot Major Maciej ‘Slab’ Krakowian was the leader of the Polish Air Force’s F-16 Tiger Demo team.
Only a month before his death, his team was awarded the ‘Crow Flight’ Cup in the 2025 Royal International Air tattoo in Raf Fairford in Gloucestershire.
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On Thursday, August 28, a F-16 fighter aircraft reportedly fell at 19.25 during a training flight in Poland.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that the aircraft belongs to the Polish Air Force F-16 Tiger Demo team and rehearses for the Radom International Air Show, which is planned to be held on August 30-31.
Major Maciej Krakowian died in the accident.
F-16 Tiger Demo team’s pilot Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian’s Radom Airshow for the rehearsal of the tragic news that he died in the afternoon.
Blue blue sky and eternal queues, upholstery. You will never be forgotten. 🐅🇵🇱 pic.twitter.com/xnq9pmwp5y
– European air shows (@euroairshow) 28 August 2025
Images circulating on social media show a plane that tries a barrel roll before collapsing.
The injury of the Radom International Air Show was not reported as a result of an accident.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who paid tribute to the Pilot, wrote: “A Polish pilot was killed in a F-16 plane crash. Listened in peace.
“I wish the deepest condolences to the family and their loved ones from the bottom of my heart.”
This year, Raf Red Arrows team, who also performed at Royal International Air Tattoo, paid tribute.
Polish Tiger F-16 @Airtattoo #Riat #riat25 pic.twitter.com/mvl9jyox97
– Martyn Foss (@martynfoss) 22 July 2025
The demonstrations of the Red arrows of the UK, the exhibition team at events in Poland and Romania were canceled after the deadly accident.
The team spokesman said: “We send our deepest condolences to the Poland Air Force with the family and friends of the F-16 pilot of the F-16 pilot.
“Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team unfortunately will not fly to Romania today [Friday, August 29] Participate in Bucharest International Airshow.
He continued: “Like such an incident, such as a normal procedure, the airport’s track investigation continues.”
Major Krakowian was a graduate of the Air Force Academy Institute of Aviation Education and the United States, and was remembered as an experienced war pilot with 1,000 F-16 flight time.
He was also training at the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and National Defense Minister WłAdysław Kosiniak-Kamysz described him as “an officer who has always served his country with devotion and great courage”.
“This is a great loss for the air forces and the entire Polish army.”
