The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” return to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., in February 2025. (Lauren Clevenger/U.S. Air Force)
An Air Force Thunderbird pilot ejected safely from a F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft Wednesday during a training mission over controlled airspace in California. The pilot is in stable condition and receiving follow-on care, the Air Force said.
The jet had crashed at about 10:45 a.m. Pacific Time near the airport in Trona, Calif., about 27 miles from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. The Thunderbirds practice during the winter at Nellis Air Force Base, near Las Vegas. The base is about 117 miles from the Trona airport.
The incident is under investigation and further information will be released from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office.
China Lake is about 130 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The unpopulated desert area is a major live weapons firing range used by all services.
The San Bernardino County Fire Department reported it was responding with resources from Station 57 to an “aircraft emergency” near the San Bernardino and Inyo County lines.