Daijiworld Media Network - California

California, Dec 4: A United States Air Force fighter jet belonging to the elite Thunderbirds aerobatic squadron crashed in the Mojave Desert on Wednesday morning during a routine training mission. Fortunately, the pilot ejected in time and survived the incident.

The crash occurred around 10:45 am in controlled airspace near Trona, an unincorporated area located about 290 km north of Los Angeles. Emergency teams from the San Bernardino County Fire Department rushed to the spot and shifted the pilot to a hospital. Officials confirmed that the injuries were not life-threatening.

The ill-fated aircraft was an F-16C Fighting Falcon, a fighter jet widely used by the Air Force for tactical missions and precision demonstration flying. The Thunderbirds, similar to the US Navy’s Blue Angels team, are known for their high-speed, close-formation aerobatic performances at air shows across the country.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash. Further details will be released by the Air Force’s 57th Wing Public Affairs Office, the statement added.

The region has witnessed aviation mishaps in the past. In 2022, a Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet went down near the same area, resulting in the pilot’s death.

Formed in 1953, the Thunderbirds operate primarily from Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas and continue to be a major symbol of the USAF’s flying precision and excellence.