AN F-16 fighter jet from the US Air Force’s Thunderbirds team crashed in the Southern California desert on Wednesday morning, ABC News reported. Video showed pilot ejecting moments before the jet went down. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors ruled his injuries non-life-threatening. The Air Force says the crash is now under investigation. More details will be shared by the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office once officials complete their review.

ALSO READ

Thunderbirds fighter jet crashes in California desert

The F-16C Fighting Falcon crashed around 10:45 am during a training mission over controlled airspace in California, according to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Local emergency teams said they were called to an “aircraft emergency” near Trona, a small desert town in the Mojave Desert, about 180 miles north of Los Angeles.

In 2022, another military jet, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet, crashed near the same area, killing its pilot, according to ABC news. The Air Force has not released the pilot’s name or role yet. But aviation experts who saw the jet crashing say it appeared to be Thunderbird 5. Later, confirming the reports, the official US Air Force Thunderbirds social media handle wrote, “On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 am, 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.”

This aircraft is usually handled by the team’s lead solo pilot, who performs the fast, dramatic manoeuvres seen at air shows. Thunderbird 5 often works with Thunderbird 6. These solo routines are often high-risk as they involve extremely fast speeds, sharp turns, and low altitude flying, conditions that have led to several accidents in the team’s long history.

ALSO READ

Video captures jet crashing

Videos shared on social media show the jet dropping before the pilot ejects. A parachute can be seen opening as the aircraft crashes into the desert floor. The US Air Force Thunderbirds confirmed the crash on X, saying the pilot is stable and receiving further care. Officials added that the cause of the crash is now under investigation.

The jet crashed near the border of San Bernardino and Inyo counties. Emergency crews from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, located west of the crash site, took control of the scene,  working with local fire and rescue teams.

Who are Thunderbirds

The Thunderbirds are the US Air Force’s official aerial demonstration squadron, similar to the Navy’s Blue Angels. They are famous for flying in tight formations where jets are sometimes only inches apart. The squad was formed in 1953, making them one of the oldest demo teams in the world. They perform around 75 shows every year across the US and abroad. If required, they can switch back to operational fighter roles in just 72 hours. Thunderbirds fly the F-16 Fighting Falcon, one of the Air Force’s most well-known jets.