THIS is the horrifying moment an F-16 jet nosedives towards the ground and erupts into a fireball after smashing into the runway.
The army veteran pilot was found dead as terrifying footage shows the aircraft plummeting through the sky after performing a loop de loop.
XHorrified onlookers in the Polish city of Radom watched on as an F-16 jet nosedives towards the ground[/caption]
XThe aircraft erupted into a fireball upon impact[/caption]
XFootage showed the flaming wreckage of the jet hurtling down the runway at Radom Airport shortly after 7:30pm[/caption]
Horrified onlookers in the Polish city of Radom were left with their hands on their head as they watched the crash during an airshow rehearsal.
The deadly blast was met with a massive plume of black smoke rising into the sky.
Footage showed the flaming wreckage of the jet hurtling down the runway at Radom Airport shortly after 7:30pm.
The remains of the wreckage could be seen continuing to burn on the airfield as firefighters rushed to the scene.
It is still unclear if the pilot managed to eject and died during the fall or if they were killed instantly in the crash.
Investigations are underway into the cause of the deadly accident.
The pilot had just pulled off a loop de loop maneuver in the sky, local media site Onet reports.
They believe that the likely cause of the accident came due to a stall at a low altitude and a loss of lift after performing the move.
Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz paid tribute to the pilot as he said on X: “I am at the scene of the tragedy.
“In the F-16 plane crash, a Polish Army pilot died – an officer who always served the Fatherland with dedication and great courage.
“I pay tribute to his memory. To the family and loved ones, I offer my deepest condolences.
“This is a great loss for the Air Force and the entire Polish Army.”
Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki also said: “I have received very sad news about the F-16 plane crash in which a Polish pilot died.
“I extend my most sincere condolences to the Family. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”
The international air show scheduled to take place at Radom Airport over the weekend has been cancelled, reports TVN24.
XA huge explosion saw a cloud of smoke billow into the sky[/caption]
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