WASHINGTON — An Air Force Thunderbird F-16C Fighting Falcon crashed during a training mission in California on Wednesday morning. The pilot survived after ejecting, officials said.

The aircraft went down around 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 3 in controlled airspace near the San Bernardino–Inyo County line, according to the Thunderbirds . The pilot was able to eject, is in stable condition and is receiving follow-on care.

San Bernardino County Fire crews reported shortly before noon PT that they were responding to an aircraft emergency in the remote desert area. The department asked the public to avoid the site but said there is no threat to nearby communities.

The jet was assigned to the Air Force’s elite demonstration team based at Nellis Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force Sgt. Jovante Johnso

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