A dramatic emergency unfolded at the Radom Airshow in Poland on Saturday after a Polish Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet crashed during a display, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky.
In a heart-stopping moment for spectators, the pilot was seen ejecting from the stricken aircraft just moments before impact, deploying his parachute and landing safely on the ground. Emergency services rushed to the scene both on the airfield and at the crash site in a nearby forest.
Emergency Response and Scene Secured
Following the incident, the airshow was immediately suspended. Organisers and security personnel moved quickly to secure the area around the crash. Officials confirmed that the pilot survived the ordeal and was receiving medical attention, though his current condition has not been disclosed.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying scene. "We saw the plane flying low, then there was a problem and it started to go down," one attendee said. "We saw the pilot eject and the parachute open. It was a huge relief."
Investigation Launched Into the Cause
The Polish Armed Forces have confirmed that a full investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched. The F-16 is a cornerstone of NATO's allied air power, and such incidents are taken extremely seriously to ensure the continued safety of operations.
This event casts a shadow over what was meant to be a celebration of aviation. The Radom Airshow is one of the largest of its kind in the region, attracting huge crowds and displaying advanced military and civilian aircraft.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculating on the cause and to await the official findings of the military investigation.
