US F-16 Fighter Jet Crashes in California, Pilot Ejects Safely
A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet from the elite Thunderbirds demonstration squadron crashed in a remote desert area of Southern California on Wednesday morning. The pilot managed to eject seconds before the aircraft exploded, officials confirmed.
US F-16 Fighter Jet Crashes in California, Pilot Ejects Safely
Thunderbirds Training Mission Ends in Fireball Near Trona Airport
CNB World Times
California, 4th Dec: A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet from the elite Thunderbirds demonstration squadron crashed in a remote desert area of Southern California on Wednesday morning. The pilot managed to eject seconds before the aircraft exploded, officials confirmed.
Pilot Safe With Minor Injuries
The crash occurred around 10:45 am near Trona Airport, south of Death Valley.
Footage posted online showed the F-16C Fighting Falcon plunging toward the ground before erupting into a massive fireball. A thick plume of black smoke rose from the site.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department said the pilot suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital in Ridgecrest.
Thunderbirds Confirm Incident
The Thunderbirds released a statement saying:
“On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 am, a Thunderbird pilot ejected safely from an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission over controlled airspace in California.”
Officials added that six aircraft left for the training mission earlier in the day, but only five returned.
Crash Site Near China Lake
The jet went down near the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a region frequently used for military flight training due to its open terrain and restricted airspace.
Emergency crews reached the site quickly and confirmed the pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft.
Aircraft Used in Airshows
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is central to the Thunderbirds’ aerobatic displays.
The squadron often conducts practice flights ahead of scheduled airshows to showcase US air power and aid Air Force recruitment efforts.
Cause Under Investigation
The Air Force’s 57th Wing Public Affairs Office said the cause of the crash remains unknown.
A full investigation is underway, and more details are expected after an assessment of the crash site.
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