A US Air Force's F-16 fighter jet from the elite Thunderbirds squadron crashed near Trona Airport in California on Wednesday, erupting into a huge fireball moments after the pilot successfully ejected, officials said.

The incident occurred at around 10:45 am (local time) in a remote desert area south of Death Valley. Footage posted online showed the aircraft plunging toward the ground before the pilot parachuted to safety, as the jet exploded on impact and sent a plume of black smoke into the sky.

Moment F-16C fighter jet crashes near Trona Airport in California. https://t.co/ND38ddIP5B pic.twitter.com/knsgPCUFsY — Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 3, 2025

PILOT EJECTS WITH MINOR INJURIES

The Thunderbirds confirmed the crash in a statement, saying: "On December 3, 2025, at appro

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