U.S. Air Force F-16 crashes in California; pilot ejects safely

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon from the Thunderbirds demonstration team crashed south of Trona Airport near Death Valley during a routine training flight.

The incident occurred in a remote desert area, and initial reports suggest the jet struck the ground under unclear circumstances.

The pilot ejected safely with minor injuries and was transported to a hospital in Ridgecrest for evaluation.