Polish prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into the August 28 F‑16 crash that killed a 35‑year‑old major in Radom, with the black box recovered and the pilot’s body examined.
Investigation of F‑16 Crash in Radom
On Friday, prosecutors formalized an investigation under Article 173(2) and (4), relating to the fatal air mishap. Fourteen military prosecutors were dispatched to conduct a site inspection at the Radom base.
Documents concerning the aircraft and the pilot were secured, and initial witnesses from the Krzesin airbase and the chief aircraft technician were interrogated. The conclusion of the preliminary actions remains uncertain.
Black Box Found; Pilot’s Autopsy Conducted on Friday
A black box, the flight data recorder, was recovered and secured by the State Aviation Accident Investigation Commission. A specialised forensic analysis, likely outside Poland, is scheduled soon.
The deceased pilot’s body was examined, transferred to the court medical facility in Warsaw, and is to undergo detailed post‑mortem studies today. An autopsy is planned for the same day.
Accident in Radom
During a rehearsal for the AirShow on August 28, an F‑16 crashed onto the runway, striking the launch pad and killing Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian. He left a wife and two children behind.
The shows slated for August 30‑31 were cancelled by Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak‑Kamysz. This is the first fatal accident involving this aircraft type in Poland.
Source: Gazeta,
