A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed near China Lake on the San Bernardino/Inyo county line according to reports.

Initial statements suggested involvement of the Thunderbirds precision aerobatic flight team, an elite demonstration squadron showcasing American air power. However, the available information focuses primarily on the aircraft itself and a local firefighter pilot involved in the incident.

The exact location is Trona Airport area.

Witnesses captured video footage showing the aircraft impact. Initial reports stated that firefighters responded to the crash scene, with details mentioning moderate injuries for one of the pilots if he were associated with fire services or specifically identified as such by authorities.

Further information indicated an F-16C Fighting Falcon was involved.

The cause or nature of the flight operation is not specified in available reports.