A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from the elite Thunderbirds demonstration squadron crashed during a routine training mission over California’s Mojave Desert on Wednesday morning, with the pilot surviving after ejecting moments before impact, military officials confirmed.

The aircraft went down at approximately 10:45 a.m. near Trona, an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County. According to the Thunderbirds’ Public Affairs Office and local emergency services, the jet crashed into a remote dry lakebed several miles from populated areas, posing no threat to nearby communities.

Emergency responders from the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, along with San Bernardino County firefighters, reached the crash site within minutes. They reported that the pilot—who was the sole occupant—sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a medical facility for evaluation. He is reported to be in stable condition.

Authorities said no hazardous materials were released beyond the crash perimeter, though Air Force environmental teams were deployed as a precaution due to the presence of hydrazine, a volatile chemical used in the F-16’s emergency power system.

Photographer Jarod M. Hamilton of Callsign Magazine shared images of rising smoke shortly after the incident, noting on social media that rescue teams had already reached the downed pilot.

The Air Force said the jet was conducting a high-performance aerial training maneuver when the incident occurred. An official safety investigation board has launched a full inquiry to determine the cause.

Local officials urged the public to avoid the site while crews secured the area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the flight took place entirely within restricted military airspace and deferred all inquiries to the U.S. Air Force.

“On December 3, during a training mission in California, a Thunderbird pilot ejected safely from an F-16C Fighting Falcon. The pilot is in stable condition and receiving appropriate care,” FAA said in a statement.

The Thunderbirds, formed in 1953, are known worldwide for their precision aerobatics and extreme-maneuver demonstrations. Despite rigorous safety protocols, the team has experienced several serious incidents over the decades.

In 2018, Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died during a training mission in Nevada. Other non-fatal accidents in recent years have stemmed from mechanical malfunctions or the inherent risk of high-G flight routines. Wednesday’s crash occurred in the same region where a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed in 2022, killing its pilot—highlighting the dangers of military aviation in the Mojave’s dense training corridor.

Officials confirmed that no civilians or additional aircraft were involved in the latest incident and that environmental impact appears minimal. Investigators continue to analyze flight data and interview squadron personnel. The Air Force is expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks. (ILKHA)