Archive · 18 Sep 2026
F-16 Crashes in Michigan After Possible Bird Strike
A military airplane crashed in a rural part of Michigan during a training flight.
The pilot escaped by using a parachute-like ejection system before the plane hit the ground.
The pilot was taken to a hospital and was reported to be conscious and stable.
Another pilot told air traffic controllers that the aircraft may have hit a bird.
The recording also mentioned that the plane may have lost an engine.
Officials have not confirmed whether either problem caused the crash.
The plane caught fire, and witnesses saw black smoke, explosions, and debris.
Police evacuated people nearby because chemicals from the aircraft could be dangerous.
The evacuation order was later canceled.
A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashed Thursday during a training mission in rural Blair Township, Michigan.
The pilot ejected safely and was taken to a local hospital; officials said the pilot was conscious, alert, or stable.
Air traffic control audio indicated the wingman may have struck a bird, possibly lost an engine, and then ejected.
Authorities evacuated people within one mile after reporting a hazardous chemical spill and continuing explosions near the wreckage.
The crash remains under investigation, and officials have not confirmed what caused the aircraft to go down.
- Who
- A pilot from the Texas Air National Guard was involved, along with a second pilot who reported the emergency.
- What
- An F-16 fighter jet crashed and caught fire after a possible mayday call; the pilot ejected safely.
- When
- Thursday afternoon, during a training mission.
- Where
- Blair Township in Grand Traverse County, rural northern Michigan, near Traverse City.
- Why
- The cause has not been confirmed; air traffic control audio suggested a possible bird strike and possible engine loss.
Possible Cause
Official Status
Bird strike and engine failure
Possible Cause
Air traffic control audio captured the wingman saying the aircraft may have taken a bird; the recording also mentioned a possible lost engine before ejection.
Official Status
Military officials said they had not confirmed the bird-strike report and that the crash was under investigation.
Extent of injuries and public impact
Possible Cause
The pilot was reported by officials and media accounts to be conscious, alert, or stable, and no civilian injuries were reported.
Official Status
The crash caused fires, explosions, debris, and a hazardous chemical spill that prompted a one-mile evacuation, so authorities treated the site as dangerous.
- Aircraft
- F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Military unit
- Texas Air National Guard; aircraft were operating from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland
- Mission
- Routine training exercises in Michigan
- Pilot status
- Safely ejected and transported to a local hospital; officials reported the pilot was conscious and stable
- Evacuation
- Properties and businesses within one mile were evacuated
- Hazard
- Authorities reported a hazardous chemical spill connected to the wreckage
- Investigation
- The crash cause had not been officially determined
