F-16 crash in Poland: Pilot killed during airshow rehearsal; 'great loss for armed forces', says govt

A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed on Thursday during a rehearsal for an upcoming airshow in Radom, central Poland, resulting in the death of the pilot, according to the Polish Army.

Local media said the jet crashed into the runway at around 1930 local time.



Poland’s deputy Prime Minister and minister of national defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the death and expressed condolences.


“In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died – an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to His memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences. This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army,” he posted on X. The minister also confirmed he had reached the site of the incident.



Prime Minister Donald Tusk also paid tribute, writing on X, “In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish pilot was killed. Rest in peace! To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences from the bottom of my heart.”



The Polish Army echoed similar sentiments in a public statement: “With great sadness, we received the news of the tragic death of the F-16 pilot, an officer of the Polish Army. This is a great loss for Poland and the entire Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. We extend our most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones. Honor to His memory.”

The pilot’s identity has not yet been made public. According to Reuters, the aircraft involved in the crash belonged to the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań.

Officials confirmed that no bystanders were injured in the crash. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

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