On Friday, September 5, 2025, a private funeral was held for Maciej Krakowian, who was posthumously promoted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Photo: Polish Ministry Of National Defence
An Air Force pilot, instructor, and leader of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team Poland. The officer tragically died on August 28, 2025, in the crash of a Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52+ Advanced multirole aircraft (tail no. 4056, serial no. JC-17) during a training flight in preparation for the 18th International Air Show Radom 2025 (F-16 Tiger Demo Team crash).
Lieutenant Colonel Pilot Maciej “Slab” Krakowian was an experienced aviator and mentor to many generations of pilots, serving at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań-Krzesiny. His professionalism, courage, and total dedication in service will remain an example for future generations of soldiers.
He was an outstanding aviator and officer of the Polish Armed Forces, a longtime participant in various air shows. He served impeccably, fully devoted to his duties and comrades. He always served the Homeland with great courage.
The General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces announced his posthumous promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel:
“Today we said farewell to our colleague, Maj. Maciej ‘Slab’ Krakowian.”
“With deep sorrow, we remember a pilot who dedicated his entire life to serving his homeland — a devoted, passionate soldier, friend, and mentor. His passing leaves a void in our hearts that nothing can fill, but his spirit, professionalism, and love of flying will forever remain in our memory.”
“Maj. Maciej Krakowian was a graduate of the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He logged over 1,400 flight hours (including around 1,100 on the F-16). For 17 years, he served at the 31st Tactical Air Base in Poznań-Krzesiny as an instructor-pilot and leader of the F-16 Tiger Demo Team Poland. He was also honored with the prestigious As the Crow Flies Trophy during the RIAT 2025 airshow.”
“He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.”
“We will do everything to ensure that what he fought for endures.”
Dziś pożegnaliśmy naszego kolegę, mjr. Macieja „Slaba” Krakowiana.
Z ogromnym smutkiem wspominamy pilota, który całe swoje życie służył ojczyźnie — oddanego, pełnego pasji żołnierza, przyjaciela i mentora. Jego odejście pozostawia w naszych sercach pustkę, której nic nie… pic.twitter.com/juLdNO3tqu
— Sztab Generalny WP (@SztabGenWP) September 5, 2025
The Armed Forces Operational Command announced that Polish flags at the locations of the Polish Military Contingents (PKW) were lowered to half-mast:
“‘Sleep, brother… in the dark grave, may Poland appear in your dreams’ On the day of the funeral ceremony of the late Maj. Maciej Krakowian, soldiers of the Polish Military Contingents paid tribute to the tragically deceased pilot.”
“Polish flags were lowered to half-mast – as a sign of respect and remembrance.”
“Major Maciej Krakowian will forever remain in our memory.”
„Śpij Kolego… w ciemnym grobie, niech się Polska przyśni Tobie.”
W dniu ceremonii pogrzebowej śp. mjr. Macieja Krakowiana, żołnierze Polskich Kontyngentów Wojskowych oddali hołd tragicznie zmarłemu pilotowi.Flagi 🇵🇱 zostały opuszczone do połowy masztu – na znak szacunku i… pic.twitter.com/jMN2WONGBM
— Dowództwo Operacyjne RSZ (@DowOperSZ) September 5, 2025
— Dowództwo Generalne (@DGeneralneRSZ) September 5, 2025