Thunderbirds F-16 crash: US Air Force jet goes down in California desert

A United States Air Force F-16 fighter jet from the Thunderbirds demonstration team crashed during a training mission in the Mojave Desert on Wednesday morning, with officials confirming that the pilot was able to eject and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The aircraft, an F-16C Fighting Falcon, went down at about 10:45 local time over restricted airspace in Southern California, according to a statement from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, where the Thunderbirds are based. Emergency crews from San Bernardino County responded to what they described as an “aircraft emergency” near the small desert community of Trona, around 180 miles north of Los Angeles.

The pilot was taken to hospital for treatment, the county fire department said. No further details were released on the nature of the injuries.

Initial reports indicate that the crash occurred during a routine training exercise conducted by the elite aerobatic squadron, which is known for its close-formation flying at air shows across the United States. The Air Force said the incident is being investigated, adding that additional information will be provided by the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office. Officials did not comment on whether weather conditions, mechanical issues or pilot-related factors were being examined as potential causes.

The Mojave Desert has long served as a training area for several branches of the US military because of its extensive controlled airspace and sparsely populated terrain. The region has seen previous aviation accidents, including the 2022 crash of a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet that killed its pilot near the same community.

The Thunderbirds were established in 1953 and remain one of the US military’s most recognisable demonstration teams. Their displays, featuring high-speed manoeuvres performed within a few feet of other aircraft, require lengthy preparation and precise coordination. Training for the team takes place seasonally at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas, which also hosts F-22 Raptor fighter jets and A-10 Warthog ground-attack aircraft.

Both the Thunderbirds and their Navy counterparts, the Blue Angels, have experienced a series of accidents during their decades of operation. Aviation analysts note that while such units are highly trained, the nature of their performances and exercises carries inherent risks.

Wednesday’s crash marks the latest incident involving a US military demonstration squadron, though officials emphasised that the pilot’s safe ejection prevented more serious consequences. Further details about the investigation, including possible contributing factors, are expected in the coming days.