US Air Force F-16C crashes near Trona Airport in Death Valley in massive black smoke

DEATH VALLEY, CALIFORNIA: An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon belonging to the Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team crashed near Trona Airport in Death Valley in a massive plume of black smoke.

The plane’s pilot made a lucky escape, falling slowly to the ground with the help of a parachute as shown in a video posted to social media platform X by DisasterAlert.

Pilot receives follow-on care after escaping from plane

According to a statement from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office, "On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45 a.m., a Thunderbird pilot safely ejected 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 incident is under investigation, and further information will be released from the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office," the statement added.

The videos and images that went viral from the scene show the aftermath of the crash and the pilot parachuting to the ground.

Meanwhile, the San Bernardino County Fire Department confirmed to TWZ that they are assisting China Lake Naval Air Station’s emergency response efforts of a downed aircraft.

Spokesperson Ryan Beckers told the outlet, "We are assisting China Lake with fire suppression on a downed aircraft in a dry lakebed in an area we respond to."

Beckers added that the department received the call about the crash at 10.30 AM local time. 

The cost of an F-16C ranges from about $20 million for older models to $349 million per plane for new Block 70/72 variants, including support, training, and upgrades, a 2023 Simple Flying article revealed.

F-16 planes are used by the US and many allied air forces

The F-16 fighter jets are operated by the US and several allied air forces. The US pilots must meet strict standards, rigorous pilot training, and they must excel in the training program to qualify to fly the jet.

Moreover, there are age limits, along with physical standards such as weight, height, and vision, and the candidate must have no history of asthma or allergies after age 12.

Furthermore, Candidates need a bachelor’s degree and should pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. After this, they are selected by a board to enter the Undergraduate Pilot Training program. 

During the training, the candidates are evaluated on their performance, and those aiming for fighter aircraft must rank at or near the top of their batch to be assigned to the fighter or bomber track.

After completing the training, pilots are assigned to a specific aircraft, which could include the F-16, as it depends on their performance and the Air Force’s requirements.

Meanwhile, the 57th Wing Public Affairs Office said that additional details on the recent crash will be released when they are available.