On Thursday before 23:00, Poland’s National Defence Minister announced that Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian, one of the country’s leading F‑16 pilots, was killed in a tragic accident.
Minister’s Statement
At a brief press conference held before 23:00 on Thursday, the National Defence Minister, accompanied by senior military officers, confirmed the fatal crash of F‑16 pilot Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian. The aircraft went down in the vicinity of Radom, claiming the life of the seasoned aviator.
Expressions of Condolences
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz expressed profound sorrow for the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer. He praised Krakowian as a “wonderful pilot, exceptional soldier, and dedicated colleague” and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to informing the public about every detail of the investigation.
General Ireneusz Nowak on the Loss
Air Force General Ireneusz Nowak highlighted the high stakes of a fighter pilot’s career, noting that Major Krakowian had achieved the pinnacle of his profession by joining the Tiger Demo Team. Nowak lamented the sudden loss of a 35‑year‑old pilot who left behind a wife and twin children, describing the incident as a “brutal reminder of the deadly nature of our occupation.”
Operational Command Acknowledgment
The Operational Command of the Armed Forces confirmed that Major Krakowian was killed in the Radom accident. The command emphasized that the pilot had logged over 1,400 flight hours, 1,200 of which were on the F‑16, and had demonstrated exemplary skill as both instructor and squadron leader.
Details of the Pilot
Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian served at the 31st Tactical Aviation Base in Poznań-Krzesiny and had been a prominent member of the Tiger Demo Team for three years. He had trained in the United States and led numerous demonstration flights before his untimely death.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/polska/7
