An F-16 fighter jet has crashed near Trona Airport in San Bernardino County, California.
Unconfirmed social media accounts say the aircraft crashed into a “dry lake bed” near Trona Airport, with locals reporting hearing a “really loud boom”.
Photos from the scene showed black smoke billowing into the California sky shortly after 11am local time (7pm in the UK).
The US Air Force confirmed that the jet had been engaged in a training mission over controlled airspace when the incident occurred, with the pilot ejecting via parachute in time to escape significant harm.
A spokesperson said: “On December 3, 2025, at approximately 10:45am, a Thunderbird pilot ejected safely from an 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.”
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