2 hrs ago
Texas Air National Guard F-16 Crashes During Michigan Training
A military F-16 airplane from Texas crashed in Michigan during a training flight on Thursday.
The pilot used the airplane’s emergency ejection system before the crash.
The pilot survived and was taken to a hospital.
Officials did not say who the pilot was or whether the pilot was badly hurt.
People nearby heard a loud crash and saw a large smoke cloud.
Emergency workers set up a command post and ordered people within one mile of the site to leave.
One report said the airplane may have hit a bird, but this was not confirmed.
Investigators are still trying to find out exactly what happened.
The airplane was in Michigan for training near Alpena, while the crash was reported near Traverse City.
A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashed Thursday during a routine training mission in northern Michigan.
The pilot ejected safely and was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Officials did not release the pilot’s identity or details about any injuries.
Reports placed the crash near Traverse City in Blair Township, while the training deployment was based near Alpena.
A possible bird strike was reported, but the cause remained under investigation and an evacuation order was issued near the crash site.
- Who
- A pilot flying a Texas Air National Guard F-16 assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing.
- What
- The F-16 crashed during a routine training mission after the pilot ejected safely.
- Where
- The crash was reported in Blair Township near Traverse City, Michigan; the unit was training at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.
- When
- Thursday; the reports did not provide a specific date.
- Why
- The aircraft was conducting a routine training mission. A possible bird strike was reported, but officials said the incident was under investigation.
Key facts
- Aircraft
- F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet
- Military unit
- 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard
- Incident
- Crash during a routine training mission on Thursday
- Pilot
- Ejected safely and received treatment at a local hospital
- Reported cause
- A wingman reportedly said the aircraft may have suffered a bird strike that affected an engine; this was not confirmed
- Crash location
- Reports identified Blair Township near Traverse City; the training deployment was near Alpena
- Emergency response
- Grand Traverse County Emergency Management ordered evacuation within one mile of the site
- Investigation
- The 149th Fighter Wing said the incident was under investigation
Quotes
Nicole Blonshine
Blair Township supervisor who witnessed the aftermath from her home
“It sounded like a huge explosion. I ran out and I saw a big smoke plume, and my first thought was somebody's house blew up,”
republicworld.com
“Alert emergency services!... He's gonna have to get out, and it's gonna be in the town that I'm overhead now.”
republicworld.com
Texas Air National Guard
The military unit operating the F-16 involved in the Michigan training crash
“The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft. The incident is under investigation.”
NDTV
Sources
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