Archive · 18 Sep 2026
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 and survived.
The pilot was taken to a hospital, and some reports said the pilot was stable.
Other officials did not say exactly what injuries the pilot had.
The crash happened near Traverse City in an area called Blair Township.
People heard a loud crash and saw a large cloud of smoke.
Emergency workers closed nearby roads and told people within one mile to leave.
A pilot flying with the crashed plane said it may have hit a bird, but investigators have not confirmed that.
Officials are still investigating what caused the crash.
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.
Reports differed on the pilot’s condition: some said the pilot was injured but stable, while officials withheld specific details.
The crash occurred near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township, near Traverse City.
Authorities ordered an evacuation within one mile of the site amid reports of a possible hazardous chemical spill and a possible bird strike.
- Who
- A pilot flying an F-16 assigned to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing.
- What
- The F-16 crashed during a routine training mission, and the pilot ejected safely.
- When
- Thursday afternoon; the reports did not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township, Grand Traverse County, near Traverse City, Michigan.
- Why
- The aircraft was conducting a training mission. A possible bird strike was reported, but the cause remains under investigation.
- Aircraft
- F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Military unit
- 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard
- Mission
- Routine training sortie in Michigan
- Pilot
- Ejected safely and received treatment at a local hospital; reports differed on the extent of injuries
- Crash site
- Near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township
- Evacuation
- Residents within one mile of the crash site were ordered to evacuate
- Possible cause
- A wingman reported a possible bird strike affecting an engine, but military officials have not confirmed it
- Investigation
- The 149th Fighter Wing and authorities are investigating the crash
Sources
Michigan F-16 Fighter Jet Crash: Texas Air National Guard Pilot Injured After Ejecting Safely During Training Mission
US F-16 Fighter Jet Crashes In Michigan, Pilot Ejects
F-16 fighter jet crashes during training in Michigan; pilot ejects safely
