BREAKING: US Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 Jet Crashes During Training Mission in California (VIDEO)
F-16 fighter jet crashes in Trona, California
TRONA, Calif. — An F-16 fighter jet assigned to the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team crashed Wednesday during a training exercise over Trona, California.
The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft, according to Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, Nevada, where the Thunderbirds are stationed. The pilot is currently in stable condition and receiving follow-up care.
Video from the scene shows a large plume of fire and smoke rising into the sky after the crash, followed by the pilot descending safely by parachute.
In a press release, Nellis Air Force Base said:
“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 controlled airspace in California. The pilot is in stable condition and receiving follow-on care. The incident is under investigation. Further information will be released by the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office and at Nellis Air Force Base news releases.”
The crash occurred about 20 miles from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the Navy’s largest base, which serves as a hub for weapons development and testing.
A motorist, Darren Springer, 60, described witnessing the crash while driving south from Death Valley. “My heart sank,” he said, after seeing a massive explosion and a thick plume of black smoke.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
This is a developing story.
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