In a dramatic turn of events, an F-16 fighter jet, part of the esteemed Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, crashed in Trona, California, on Wednesday during a routine training exercise.
Fortunately, the pilot managed to eject safely from the aircraft, as confirmed by officials at Nellis Air Force Base, located near Las Vegas, Nevada, the team’s home base.
Footage from the crash site captures a substantial column of smoke rising into the sky, alongside the pilot descending via parachute.
WATCH:
According to a press release from Nellis Air Force Base,
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada —  On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a Thunderbird pilot safely ejected from an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission over designated airspace in California.
The pilot is currently in stable condition and receiving medical attention.
An investigation into the incident is underway, and updates will be provided by the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office, which can be accessed at https://www.nellis.af.mil/News/News-Releases/.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times:
The pilot ejected successfully and is in stable condition, according to U.S. Air Force Sgt. Jovante Johnson. The F-16C Fighting Falcon was assigned to the Thunderbirds, an elite aerial acrobatics team based at Nellis Air Force Base, as stated in an email from Johnson.
The crash occurred around 10:45 a.m. during a training mission, with causes still under investigation.
Witness Darren Springer, 60, reported seeing an explosion that released a thick plume of black smoke while driving south out of Death Valley. “My heart sank,” he commented.
The incident transpired approximately 20 miles from the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a significant base for the Navy known for weapon development and testing.
This story is still unfolding.
