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Fighter jet pilot ejects moments before plane crashes in California desert

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A fighter jet pilot ejected moments before the plane crashed in a California desert.

Authorities confirmed the aircraft was an Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.

A statement from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office said: 'On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 am, a Thunderbird pilot safely ejected from a F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission over controlled airspace in California.'

Footage shows smoke rising from the wreckage scattered across the desert town of Trona.

Officials said the pilot is in stable condition and receiving medical care. The Air Force has not provided further details about the cause of the crash.

The jet went down roughly 20 miles from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, the Navy's largest installation and a major site for testing and developing weapons.

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