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US Air Force Thunderbird Jet Crashes in Southern California

The F-16’s pilot ejected safely, according to officials.
US Air Force Thunderbird Jet Crashes in Southern California
An Air Force fighter jet after it crashed during a training mission in San Bernardino County, Calif., on Dec. 3, 2025, in a still from video. ABC7 Los Angeles via AP
Jill McLaughlin
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A U.S. Air Force Thunderbird pilot ejected safely Dec. 3 from an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft during a training mission near China Lake in Southern California, Nellis Air Force Base officials said in a news release.

The crash happened at about 10:45 a.m. about 30 miles from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in San Bernardino County.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.