An F-16 fighter jet crashed near Trona Airport in California’s San Bernardino County on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. The aircraft went down south of the airport, and officials confirmed that the pilot ejected safely before impact and suffered only minor injuries.
The United States Air Force said the pilot is “stable and receiving follow-on care” after ejecting during the incident.
WATCH: F-16C fighter jet crashes near Trona Airport in California. Pilot ejected safely. pic.twitter.com/Mx4GqAsLsC
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) December 3, 2025
Emergency Response and Early Reports From the Crash Site
The San Bernardino County Fire Department confirmed its units were dispatched to the scene, posting on X: “TRONA: #SBCoFD resources from Station 57 responding to a reported aircraft emergency with @NAWS_CL and @ChinaLake_EM near the San Bernardino/Inyo County line area.”
Residents near the Trona area reported hearing a “loud boom” moments before smoke was seen rising from the crash site. Several locals suggested the jet may have crashed into a dry lake bed.
Reports also indicated the aircraft went down on the eastern edge of the R-2508 Complex, a restricted airspace zone used for military training.
Crash Footage Shows Smoke Rising From Impact Area
Visuals circulating on social media showed thick plumes of smoke billowing from the crash location. One account stated: “Reports of an F-16C Fighting Falcon from the US Air Force Thunderbirds crashed near Trona Airport, south of Death Valley, California. The pilot reportedly ejected safely, suffered minor injuries, and was taken to a Ridgecrest hospital.”
A scanner channel also noted the aircraft “was possibly a USAF Thunderbird F16,” adding that a photo shared on Southern California media appeared to show the jet’s parachute deployed.
Thunderbirds Issue Official Statement
Later on Wednesday, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds released an official update: “On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 a.m., 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.”
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The cause of the crash remains under investigation as military and emergency crews continue working at the scene.
