California, Dec 4, 2025 (Agencies) — A United States Air Force Thunderbirds F?16C Fighting Falcon crashed during a training mission in the Mojave Desert near Trona, California, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. local time when the aircraft went down on a dry lake bed. The pilot successfully ejected seconds before impact, parachuting to safety. He was later treated for non?life?threatening injuries and is reported to be in stable condition.
Emergency crews from the San Bernardino County Fire Department responded quickly, containing a small post?crash fire. No injuries were reported on the ground, and there was no threat to surrounding communities.
The Thunderbirds, the USAF’s elite aerial demonstration squadron, were conducting a routine training flight ahead of upcoming performances. The crash has prompted a formal investigation to determine the cause.
While crashes involving the Thunderbirds are rare, the incident underscores the risks of high?performance military aviation. Officials noted that the team’s schedule may be temporarily adjusted pending the outcome of the inquiry.