An Air Force Thunderbird F-16C Fighting Falcon crashed during a training mission in California on Wednesday morning, but the pilot survived after ejecting safely. Officials confirmed the pilot is in stable condition and receiving follow-up medical care.
The crash occurred around 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 3 in controlled airspace near the San Bernardino–Inyo County line. San Bernardino County Fire crews responded to the remote desert area shortly before noon, urging the public to avoid the site while noting there was no danger to nearby communities. The jet was part of the Air Force’s elite Thunderbird demonstration team based at Nellis Air Force Base. The cause of the crash has not been released, and the Air Force is investigating the incident.