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Thunderbirds Pilot Safely Ejected During F-16 Training Mission

12/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Thunderbirds demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force ejected a pilot safely during a training mission over California on December 3, 2025.
The ejection occurred at about 10:45 a.m. from an F-16C Fighting Falcon.
The pilot is in stable condition.
The Thunderbirds did not disclose the pilot's identity or the reason for the ejection.
The aircraft crashed near Trona, east of Ridgecrest, with investigators reviewing the scene.

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Story summary

The Thunderbirds demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force ejected a pilot safely during a training mission over California on December 3, 2025.
The ejection occurred at about 10:45 a.m. from an F-16C Fighting Falcon.
The pilot is in stable condition.
The Thunderbirds did not disclose the pilot's identity or the reason for the ejection.
The aircraft crashed near Trona, east of Ridgecrest, with investigators reviewing the scene.