Poland’s first F-16 crash in Radom has triggered legal investigations, as retired pilots speculate on potential reasons and emphasize the pilot’s desperate attempt to save the aircraft.
Former Pilot’s Analysis on Possible Causes
Major Ret. Michał Fiszer, speaking to TVN24, stated that the F-16’s approach did not resemble a landing attempt. “The plane had afterburners engaged, and it’s clear there was an attempt to recover from the maneuver,” he explained. “There’s not much more to say; we lack details. The fact that these aircraft have flown safely until now is nothing short of a miracle. Generally, military jet fighters crash during flight, as they push human limits. This is the first F-16 crash in Poland, and the plane itself is a combat aircraft with extraordinary capabilities, including targeting ground and air assets, reconnaissance, and carrying a wide range of weapons,” Fiszer added. When asked why the pilot did not eject, he noted, “Theoretically, pilots can eject even from zero altitude, but during high-G maneuvers, ejection becomes nearly impossible. The pilot likely hoped to pull out of the maneuver rather than risk ejection.”
Another Former Pilot Suggests Maneuver Started Too Late
Major Arkadiusz Szczęsny also commented, stating the pilot likely initiated the recovery maneuver too late. “I saw footage showing he tried to recover using afterburners, but it didn’t work,” Szczęsny said. “In such cases, the pilot should abort the maneuver. I don’t know the ground conditions or what the plane would have hit, but he clearly fought to save the aircraft until the very end. The vertical maneuver was executed too low, and he couldn’t escape it,” he emphasized.
Prosecutor’s Office Launches Preliminary Criminal Investigations
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw announced that preliminary criminal proceedings have been initiated. “Following the military jet crash at Radom Airport tonight, prosecutors from the 8th Military Division of the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office have begun initial investigations and are en route to the scene,” a statement said. “Military gendarmerie representatives are already on site. Further updates will be provided tomorrow afternoon during a press conference in Radom.”
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/polska/7
