Radom: A Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed on Thursday evening during a rehearsal for the upcoming AirSHOW Radom 2025, killing the pilot onboard.

The accident happened around 5:30 pm GMT (11 pm IST) in Radom, central Poland. The jet, which was based at the 31st Tactical Air Base near Poznań, was performing a barrel-roll maneuver when it lost control and crashed to the ground.

A video of the incident shows the aircraft bursting into flames on impact and sliding across the runway. No spectators or ground crew were hurt, according to the Polish Armed Forces.

Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the pilot’s death and shared a message of condolence on the social media platform X. 

“In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died—an officer who always served his country with dedication and great courage. I pay tribute to his memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences,” he wrote.

He called the accident a "great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army."

Airshow cancelled after crash

Following the tragedy, the AirSHOW Radom 2025, scheduled for this weekend, has been cancelled out of respect and safety concerns.

So far, there is no official word on what caused the crash. An investigation is underway.