The shocking plane crash of the F-16 in Radom, in which Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian was killed, inactive evokes deep sadness and disbelief in Polish aviation. A fewer days before the tragic event, the pilot announced an extraordinary show on AirSHOW 2025, which was to be the essence of strength, precision and elegance of the Polish air force. His words about "speed, sound and manoeuvres practically on the limits of this aircraft" are taking on a new, tragic dimension today. Major Krakowian, a valued teacher and leader of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team, was an icon of Polish military aviation, and his departure was a immense failure to the full aviation community.
The tragedy that took place during the exercises before the shows interrupted the career of 1 of the most titled Polish pilots. His imagination of aviation, based on professionalism and perseverance, and deep conviction of the squad as a family, remains an inspiration. The last words of “Slab” shed light on his boundless sacrifice and love for flying, which defined his full life in service.
A tragic disaster in Radom. Last flight ‘Slaba’
On Thursday evening, during regular exercises preparing for prestigious AirSHOW shows in Radom, an F-16 fighter crash occurred. The aircraft piloted by Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian crashed and the pilot, despite immediate rescue, did not survive. This tragic event shook not only the Polish Air Force, but the full of Poland, grieving the aviation community. Major Krakowian was a pillar of the 31st Tactical Aviation Base in Poznań-Krzesin and its failure is unrepeated.
"Speed, sound and manoeuvres at limits". What did the pilot say before the show?
Just a fewer days before the disaster, Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian spoke with large enthusiasm about the prepared show at AirSHOW in Radom. He emphasized that representing Polish air force and presenting the capabilities of F-16 was for him A large honor, especially in Radom, which he called “the capital of show aviation in Poland”. He stressed that the spectacle would be a combination of strength, precision and elegance, characterized by "speed, sound and maneuvers practically on the limits of this aircraft". For him, however, it was primarily a symbol of professionalism, training and perseverance, which he and his squad showed each day in the ministry.
Ten years of Tiger Demo Team. The squad was his family.
Major Krakowian was not only an outstanding pilot, but besides real-time leader. AirSHOW 2025 was expected to be an chance to celebrate 3 crucial anniversarys, including the 10th anniversary of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team, who for a decade proudly represented Poland in the sky of Europe. The band was preparing a peculiar surprise for this occasion. “Slab” has repeatedly stressed how crucial the squad was to him, saying, “I know we frequently talk about it high-pitchedly, that it is simply a family, but it is so.” The trust between the members of the squad was immense, and he himself pointed out that “there are no people here by chance”, which indicated the selection and sacrifice of each of them.
Major Maciej Krakowian: Icon of Polish Military Aviation
Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian was 1 of the most titled Polish pilots F-16. A postgraduate of the Air advanced School in Dęblin and the Academy of the United States Air Force, he accumulated over 1400 hours of raiding, of which about 1200 on F-16. His piloting style, referred to as “3D” – dynamic, aggressive, based on tight maneuvers performed close to the audience – distinguished the Polish squad against others in Europe. In July 2025, his craftsmanship was appreciated at the Royal global Air Tattoo (RIAT) in the UK, where he won the "As the Crow Flies Trophy" award for the most awesome solo presentation of the F-16, performed under changing atmospheric conditions. RIAT is the largest military aviation show in the world, which only emphasizes the importance of its achievements.
It's a legacy. Memory of “Slab” in Polish Aviation
The departure of Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian is simply a immense failure to Polish aviation and the Air Force. He was not only a master pilot, but besides an inspiring teacher and a dedicated leader. His passion, professionalism and boundless devotion to service will stay in memory as a model to follow. The legacy of “Slab” is not only spectacular shows and awards, but above all the values that he promoted: trust in the team, hard work and constant striving for perfection. His memory, as a man who lived by aviation and for aviation, will proceed in the hearts of all who had contact with him and admired his craftsmanship in the sky.
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Last words of the tragically deceased F-16 pilot. He talked about manoeuvres “on limits”
