Polish F-16 fighter jet crashes, explodes

A Polish F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training exercise for an air show, killing the pilot.

The accident occurred on 28/8 near Radom, a city about 100 km south of Warsaw, Poland. The F-16 lightweight fighter was practicing for an upcoming air show. "A tragedy has occurred. An F-16 fighter jet has crashed, and unfortunately, the pilot has died," Polish government spokesman Adam Szlapka said on 28/8.

Video released by Polish media shows the F-16 engaging its afterburners and diving towards the ground. The pilot appeared to level the jet, but a large turn close to the ground seemingly prevented the aircraft from recovering altitude. The F-16 slammed into the runway and exploded, erupting into flames as it continued to skid, witnessed by onlookers.

The moment the F-16 crashed and burned on the runway in Radom, Poland on 28/8. Video: X/Wojciech Pawelczyk

The Polish military confirmed there were no ground casualties. The accident happened during a training session for the pilot's scheduled performance at the Radom Air Show 2025, planned for later that week.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the pilot," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz reported being at the scene.

Before the crash, the Polish Air Force operated 48 F-16 multirole fighters: 36 single-seat F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds primarily for training, but also combat-capable. This was the first crash of an F-16 in Polish service.

Developed by General Dynamics in the 1970s, the F-16 multirole fighter serves in the US and allied air forces. The F-16 can reach a top speed of 2,100 km/h at an altitude of 12,000 m, with a service ceiling of 18,000 m and a combat radius of 546 km. It's equipped with a 20 mm cannon and 11 hardpoints that can carry up to 7.7 tons of weapons, including bombs and guided missiles.