The tragedy occurred on Thursday, August 28, in the evening during exercises preparing for the Air Show in Radom. The F-16 fighter crashed and went up in flames. Pilot, Major Maciej "Slab" Krakowian, died instantly. The D.A. informed us his individual camera was secured. The military said goodbye to the pilot in an authoritative announcement.
Polish troops goodbye Maciej "Slab" Krakowian
The announcement was published on Saturday, August 30, on the Polish Army website. "Referring to many publications and media comments after the tragedy at Radom Airport, above all, our thoughts and hearts are directed towards the household present and the close pilot who died in the accident" – it is written.
It was stressed that the failure is immense not only for the family, but besides for the full aviation and military community.
"We want to emphasize that only pilots with the highest qualifications participate in the air shows – experienced instructors who have been training successive generations of aviation adepts for years. They are people with full confidence, passionates and professionals, for whom safety has always been a priority," we read.
It was noted that the air show was not only a spectacle, but besides "the evidence of sacrifice, passion and work of the airmen who spend thousands of hours in the air, perfecting their skills and strictly following safety procedures."
It was indicated that each show flight is carefully planned, approved and supervised. Pilots have assigned alleged observers' safets, or experienced colleagues who monitor the acrobatics from the ground, conditions around and supply an additional layer of safety. This allows pilots to execute maneuvers with full focus, assured that individual is watching over all item of the flight.
The military besides recalled that air shows are part of training for both pilots and full crews active in preparing and securing the shows.
"This is an chance to improve procedures, teamwork and coordination of activities in akin operating conditions. At the same time they are a way of presenting the capabilities of our Air Force – a evidence to professionalism and modernity. It is besides a minute erstwhile young people can see their future in aviation and feel the inspiration for choosing this unique path" added.
Currently, the causes of the accident are explained by the Air Aviation Accident Investigation Commission, cooperating with the D.A. and the Military Police.
New information on F-16 disaster
As we wrote in NaTemat.pl, TVN24 revealed a recording of the recording, which is to prove that Major Maciej "Slab" Krakowian had an argument with the flight controller moments before the crash.
It follows that the controller confused the 2 aircraft which were simultaneously located in the same area. At 1 point, the FA-50 pilot was only 300 metres from the Slab fighter.
– The only movement in this area is you and F-16 at flight level 120 – the controller replied. The problem was that the question was asked by pilot F-16, and the controller thought he was talking to the individual behind the FA-50 controls.
However, the prosecution denies that the recording is authentic.
– We do not confirm the authenticity of this recording, it does not come from the collected evidence. We are not investigating this topic, nor do I confirm that individual from the control of flights has been detained in this case – said the spokesperson of the territory Attorney's Office in Warsaw, lawyer Piotr Antoni Skiba in an interview with "Gazeta Wyborcza".
