A fighter jet belonging to the Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration squadron crashed in the Southern California desert on Wednesday. Fortunately, the pilot ejected safely prior to the incident. The pilot sustained injuries but they are not life-threatening, as reported by the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Details of the F-16 Crash
The F-16C Fighting Falcon went down at around 10:45 a.m. during a training mission. This took place “over controlled airspace in California,” according to a statement from Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Emergency responders attended to an “aircraft emergency” near Trona, an unincorporated area within the Mojave Desert, located approximately 180 miles (290 kilometers) north of Los Angeles.
Investigation and Historical Context
This incident is currently under investigation. The Air Force has stated that additional information will be provided by the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office in the future. Notably, in 2022, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed in the same general vicinity, resulting in the loss of its pilot.
About the Thunderbirds
- The Thunderbirds were established in 1953.
- They perform precision maneuvers and air shows featuring tight formations.
- The squadron trains primarily at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas.
- Their aircraft fleet includes F-16 Falcons, F-22 Raptors, and A-10 Warthogs.
The Blue Angels, the Navy’s counterpart to the Thunderbirds, have also experienced several crashes throughout their history. While the Thunderbirds have a storied legacy, safety remains a critical concern during their training and performances.
