A pilot from the US Air Force Thunderbirds safely ejected from an F-16C Fighting Falcon moments before it crashed into the California desert on Wednesday. The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m. in San Bernardino County, near the community of Trona.
The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital, according to a news release from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office and a San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesperson. The fire department is assisting China Lake emergency resources with fire suppression at the crash site in a dry lake bed.
Officials stated there is no threat to the community, but the public is asked to avoid the immediate area. The cause of the ejection and crash is under investigation, with additional details to be released as they become available.
Jarod M. Hamilton, Director of Photography for Callsign Magazine, shared a photo of the crash on X, confirming the pilot's ejection and hospital transport. The F-16C is a multirole fighter jet operated by the US and allied air forces, with costs ranging from approximately $20 million for older models to $349 million for new variants.
