"An F-16C fighter jet exploded into a huge fireball after crashing in a desert near Death Valley on Wednesday. The pilot successfully ejected from the plane, which was part of the US Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds. Reports have indicated that the individual sustained only minor injuries and was taken to hospital in nearby Ridgecrest, California, for treatment."
"Dramatic footage captured the pilot ejecting from the plummeting aircraft, deploying their parachute and safely gliding away. Meanwhile, the F-16 slammed into the desert floor, erupting in a massive fireball and sending thick black smoke into the sky near Trona Airport. The cost of a new jet ranges from approximately $30 million to over $60 million per unit. The incident was reported around 1.45am PT (1.45pm ET)."
"Six Thunderbirds were said to have departed the base on Wednesday morning, with only five returning safely. The squadron performs precision aerobatic maneuvers at airshows, showcasing American air power and helping recruit for the military. The San Bernardino County Fire account wrote on X: 'Solo occupant was the pilot, who was treated and transported by on-scene personnel for non-life-threatening injuries and is being transported to an area hospital.'"
An F-16C fighter jet exploded into a large fireball after crashing in the desert near Death Valley. The aircraft belonged to the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. The pilot successfully ejected and sustained only minor injuries before being taken to a hospital in Ridgecrest, California. Dramatic footage showed the ejection, parachute deployment and the pilot gliding to safety while the jet hit the desert and produced thick black smoke near Trona Airport. The incident occurred around 1:45am PT and involved six Thunderbirds departing the base, with five returning. The crash site is near NAWS China Lake, a major live-fire testing range. The crash is under investigation.
Read at Mail Online
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