A pilot escaped with only minor injuries after his aircraft appeared to snap in half during a dramatic emergency landing in Poland. The incident occurred on Friday, June 19, 2026, at around 11am local time at Aeroklub Leszczyński in Leszno, Poland, during a test flight ahead of the Antidotum Airshow.
Landing gear failure leads to crash
The North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco, a twin-engine turboprop, suffered a landing gear failure that prevented the wheels from deploying. Video footage shows the aircraft slamming onto the runway, with the nose dipping sharply and the fuselage buckling on impact. The plane then bounced and skidded several yards before coming to a halt amid dust and smoke.
Despite the heavy impact, the aircraft did not catch fire. The pilot sustained only minor injuries and was able to climb out of the cockpit unaided. Paramedics treated him at the scene and later confirmed he was in good condition.
Firefighters take preventive measures
The Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Poznań stated: "Three fire service units operated at the scene. Firefighters secured the site and applied firefighting foam around the aircraft. This action was preventive and aimed at reducing the risk of fire in case of a possible fuel leak or spillage following the emergency landing."
The statement added: "The situation is now under control and there is no danger to people present at the airfield. The circumstances of the incident will be investigated by the relevant authorities."
Airshow proceeds as planned
The Antidotum Airshow went ahead as scheduled, though the damage to the runway reduced its usable length, preventing some aircraft from performing. The OV-10 Bronco, developed in the 1960s as a light attack aircraft for counter-insurgency and forward air control missions, saw around 360 units produced between 1965 and 1986. A small number remain in service today, including with NASA and civilian operators in the United States, while others are preserved in museums worldwide.
