A US Air Force Thunderbird F-16C Fighting Falcon crashed during a training mission in the Southern California desert, but the pilot safely ejected and survived, the US Air Force said.
The Air Force Thunderbirds confirmed the crash in a brief statement but provided no immediate details on what caused the accident, saying the matter is under investigation.
“On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a Thunderbird pilot ejected safely from a F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission over controlled airspace in California. The pilot is in stable condition and receiving follow-on care. The incident is under investigation and further information will be released from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office,” the Air Force Thunderbirds stated.
California’s San Bernardino County Fire Department said the plane crashed near China Lake, a community located about 270 km north of downtown Los Angeles.
According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department, the pilot sustained “non-life-threatening” injuries during ejection and was transported to a hospital.
In the statement on social media plat
