An F-16C fighter jet erupted in a massive fireball after crashing in the desert near Death Valley on Wednesday. The pilot ejected just in time and survived with minor injuries, authorities confirmed.
Pilot Escapes Unscathed from Thunderbirds Jet Disaster
The jet belonged to the US Air Force’s elite Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. Dramatic footage shows the pilot bailing out mid-air, deploying a parachute and drifting safely to the ground. The pilot was taken to a hospital in Ridgecrest, California, for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Massive Fireball and Thick Smoke Signal the Crash
The F-16 slammed into the desert floor near Trona Airport, unleashing a huge fireball and belching thick black smoke skyward.
Experts say replacing an F-16C can cost between $30 million and $60 million.
Thunderbirds Mission in Turmoil After Jet Crash
Six Thunderbirds jets took off from base Wednesday morning, but only five returned safely. The squadron is famed for precision aerobatic displays that showcase US air power and help military recruitment.
Authorities Confirm No Threat to Local Area
“Solo occupant was the pilot, who was treated and transported by on-scene personnel for non-life-threatening injuries,” San Bernardino County Fire posted on social media. “There is no threat to the surrounding vegetation from the fire. The public is requested to avoid the immediate area. There is no threat to the community.”
Investigation Underway in Remote Military Testing Zone
The crash took place near Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a major live-fire weapons testing range roughly 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The Thunderbirds often conduct high-speed aerobatic training in this restricted desert airspace.
Training involves risky stunts like rapid climbs, rolls, and tight formations that test pilots’ skills to the limit. Despite strict safety measures, accidents remain a hazard.
More updates from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office are expected as investigations continue.
