Pilot safe after Thunderbirds F-16 crashes in California during training mission

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Thursday, December 4, 2025
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Pilot safe after F-16 crash in San Bernardino County

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. -- Firefighters in California's San Bernardino County responded to a crash near China Lake that involved an F-16 fighter jet.

The incident reportedly happened near Trona Airport, close to the San Bernardino/Inyo County line.

At about 10:45 a.m., a "Thunderbird pilot ejected safely from a F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission over controlled airspace," the U.S. Air Force said in a statement.

The pilot is in stable condition and receiving care, according to the Air Force.

The fire department said the pilot suffered non life-threatening injuries. They also reported a fire stemming from the downed aircraft but said there was no threat to the surrounding vegetation or the community.

The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. This article will continue to be updated as more information becomes available.

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