Video Shows Moment of Fiery Plane Crash During Training Session

A video shared on social media shows the moment a plane crashed into an airfield on Friday in Poland during a training session for an airshow.

The pilot, Robert "Killer" Jeł, died "on the spot" and did not attempt to eject, General Ireneusz Nowak, a Polish Air Force Inspector, said in a press conference following the crash. Nowak described him as "one of the two most experienced pilots in Poland, maybe in the world."

"Robert was not only a great pilot, but also a great man. He demanded a lot from his students, even more from himself," Nowak said.

"All of us as aviators, as military men, are in mourning today. We have lost a great man, a great instructor," he added.

All events related to the airshow, which was scheduled for Saturday, have been cancelled, according to local media reports.

In the footage, shared to X (formerly Twitter), a small military-style aircraft is seen plummeting towards the ground, spinning multiple times during its downward descent. The craft then disappears behind the distant tree line. A large explosion is followed by a billowing plume of black smoke.

Nowak confirmed that the incident was being investigated by officials on the scene.

Jeł leaves behind a wife and daughter, who were under the care of a psychologist, according to Nowak.

Newsweek has contacted Polish Air Force officials for additional information.

The Polish M-346 Master, also known as Bielik, is an advanced jet trainer aircraft used by the Polish Air Force. Poland first ordered the M-346 Master in February 2014 to replace the aging TS-11 Iskra trainers.

It's systems include Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) that can simulate radar, targeting pods, and electronic warfare systems. It also features a multi-mode fire-control radar, Helmet Mounted Display, and integrated communication suites compatible with NATO standards.

Last year, a MiG-23 fighter jet crashed into the parking lot of a Michigan apartment complex whilst performing at an air show.

The pilot and "backseater" were forced to eject, and the occupants did not appear to sustain any injuries. Fortunately, no one at either the apartment complex or air show were injured.

A witness to the crash told Newsweek the incident was "surreal" and that it was a "miracle" no one had been seriously injured.

"It was a very somber, sad kind of conversation afterwards and everyone was on their phones trying to figure out what was going on making sure everyone was okay. I mean, it's a pretty populated area. So, you know, to avoid the apartments, avoid all the houses avoid all the boats on the lake and land in an area that didn't hurt anyone was it's a miracle."

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