A Thunderbird pilot safely ejected from an F-16 fighter jet during a training mission Wednesday in San Bernardino County, near the community of Trona, California.
The pilot, the sole occupant of the F-16C Fighting Falcon at the time of the crash around 10:45 a.m., experienced non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital, according to a news release from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office, as well as a San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesperson.
Around 4:10 p.m., the fire department said it is assisting China Lake emergency resources with fire suppression stemming from a downed aircraft in the dry lake bed near Trona.
There is no threat to surrounding vegetation from the fire and no threat to the community, officials said.
The public is requested to avoid the immediate area.
The cause of the ejection is under investigation.
Jarod M. Hamilton, the Director of Photography for Callsign Magazine, a publication that focuses on military aviation, shared a photo of the alleged crash on X.
âI’m onsite at the Thunderbird crash,â he wrote at 2:45 p.m. âWill update with more info later. There was an ejection and the pilot is being transported to the hospital right now.â
The cost of an F-16C ranges from about $20 million for older models to roughly $349âŻmillion per jet for new Block 70/72 variants, including support, training and upgrades, according to a 2023 Simple Flying article.
F-16 jets are operated by the US and many allied and partner air forces. US pilots must meet strict physical and academic standards, complete rigorous pilot training, and excel in the training program to qualify.
Aspiring U.S. Air Force fighter pilots must first meet strict eligibility requirements, including age limits, physical standards such as weight, height, and vision, and no history of asthma or allergies after age 12.
Candidates also need a bachelorâs degree and must pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. They are then selected by a board to enter the Undergraduate Pilot Training program.
During UPT, trainees are evaluated on their performance, and those aiming for fighter aircraft must rank at or near the top of their class to be assigned to the fighter or bomber track.
Upon completing training, pilots are assigned to a specific aircraft, which could include the F-16, depending on their performance and the Air Forceâs needs.
The 57th Wing Public Affairs Office said additional details on Wednesdayâs crash will be released as they become available.
