An elite United States Air Force demonstration pilot has survived after his high-performance fighter jet crashed in a remote desert region of Southern California.
Pilot Survives Mojave Desert Crash
The incident involved an F-16C Fighting Falcon from the renowned Air Force Thunderbirds squadron. It went down near the unincorporated community of Trona in the Mojave Desert at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, 4 December 2025. Military officials confirmed the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft before impact.
Emergency services, including the San Bernardino County Fire Department, responded to reports of an "aircraft emergency". The pilot was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have stated the injuries sustained are not considered life-threatening.
Training Mission Over Controlled Airspace
According to a statement released by Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the jet was conducting a routine training mission over controlled airspace in California when the crash occurred. The Thunderbirds, like their naval counterparts the Blue Angels, are famous for their precision flying at air shows, often manoeuvring within inches of each other.
The area of the crash, roughly 180 miles north of Los Angeles, has witnessed tragedy before. In a separate incident in 2022, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed near Trona, resulting in the death of its pilot.
Investigation Launched into Circumstances
The Air Force has announced that a full investigation into the causes of Wednesday's crash is now underway. Further details will be released by the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office. The brief initial statement did not speculate on what led to the accident.
The Thunderbirds squadron, formed in 1953, conducts seasonal training operations from Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas. Their history, along with that of the Blue Angels, includes dozens of accidents over the decades, a stark reminder of the risks inherent in advanced aerial demonstration flying.
Aircraft typically based at Nellis include:
- F-16 Falcon fighter jets
- F-22 Raptor stealth fighters
- A-10 Warthog ground-attack aircraft
