U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Pilot Ejects During Training Mission Over California

Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 AM, a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot ejected safely from a F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission over controlled airspace in California. The pilot is in stable condition and receiving follow-on care.

The crash occurred south of the Trona Airport near Death Valley, California. Six F-16 Fighting Falcons took off from Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, with only five returning shortly after the accident. Pictures and videos have emerged showing the pilot safely ejecting and parachuting to safety, with the aircraft erupting into a fireball on impact.

F16 Thunderbird 5 photographed with its last takeoff before it crashed in Trona, CA. Insane to see six of them take off from Nellis and only five returned. I’ll try to post the images later of the Thunderbird’s last takeoff. This is just a picture of the screen from my camera pic.twitter.com/rJaIfXpLHN

— Kelvin Cheng (@kelvinkccheng) December 3, 2025

Just a few weeks ago, the 2025 Thunderbirds concluded a season that was shortened due to the U.S. government shutdown, and the team transitioned to the 2026 training season. Lt. Col. Alexander “Knight” Prevendar joined the Thunderbirds as Thunderbird 1 and Commander of the team for the 2026-2027 show seasons.

For the latest regarding Wednesday’s mishap, stay tuned to this article as well as our social media.