At the Garrison Church in Dęblin, during a solemn Holy Mass held in memory of Polish aviators, prayers were offered for all who gave their lives in the service of the Homeland. By the altar stood a photo of Major Maciej Krakowian, who perished yesterday in the F-16 crash in Radom.
Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian was one of Poland’s most decorated F-16 pilots and the leader of the Tiger Demo Team. He was affiliated with the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań-Krzesiny. As an instructor and leader of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team Poland, he represented the Polish Air Force at prestigious air shows both at home and abroad. Yesterday evening, during training flights ahead of the upcoming AirSHOW in Radom, the F-16 piloted by Major Krakowian crashed—he did not survive.
Today, Major Krakowian’s photo was placed by the altar in Dęblin during the service dedicated to aviators.
After the service, participants proceeded to the monument “To the Heroic Aviators of the Dęblin School of Eaglets,” where a wreath-laying ceremony took place. On behalf of the 2nd Polish Corps, its Commander, General Adam Joks, PhD, paid tribute to the fallen airmen by laying flowers and taking part in this solemn moment of remembrance.
This year’s celebrations of Polish Aviation Day carried a special meaning—marked by reflection, solemnity, and solidarity with the aviation community, struck by this tragic loss, the 2nd Polish Corps Command reported.