Journal – 4/2025

Editorial brief:

While we were finalizing this issue, a tragic accident occurred in Poland. During a rehearsal for the upcoming Radom Airshow, a Polish F-16 crashed, claiming the life of demo pilot Major Maciej Krakowiak. On behalf of our entire team, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

As is often the case after such tragedies, the first so-called “experts” quickly emerged with their instant analyses. However, it is the task of the official accident investigators to determine the exact causes – not ours. Still, I would like to share a personal observation. Looking back at airshow accidents over the past 30 years, one striking pattern emerges: more than 90 percent of them occurred during vertical maneuvers – usually loops or similar figures performed at low altitude. Perhaps it is time to reconsider this approach. Instead of risky vertical elements, why not place greater emphasis on dynamic yet safer maneuvers such as a top-side pass or a touch-and-go?

For most spectators, these are just as impressive – but far less dangerous. This is not about exaggerated caution or limiting displays. It is simply about safety – for the pilots as well as for the audience.

© Robert Kysela, editor-in-chief