Polish Air Force pilot dies in F-16 crash before Radom airshow

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A Polish Air Force pilot was killed when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.

The crash occurred at approximately 7.25 pm local time on Thursday in central Poland, marking the first time an F-16 has crashed in the country’s aviation history. The jet was part of the Polish Air Force’s F-16 Tiger Demo Team and was rehearsing for the upcoming airshow in Radom, which was set for 30-31 August.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the death and visited the site of the incident. He also briefed Prime Minister Donald Tusk, stating, “In the F-16 plane crash, a pilot of the Polish Army lost his life ... this is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army.”

Footage circulating in Polish media appeared to show the aircraft attempting a barrel roll before crashing. No injuries to bystanders were reported.

Authorities have since cancelled the Radom International Air Show out of respect for the pilot and in light of ongoing investigations into the cause of the accident.

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