A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashed in rural northern Michigan during a training mission on Thursday, with the pilot ejecting safely before impact and later reported in stable condition. The jet came down near Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, prompting a temporary evacuation after authorities identified a hazardous chemical spill at the scene.
The aircraft was operating as part of routine training from the Air National Guard’s Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan. Local officials and state emergency crews responded alongside the Michigan State Police and the county sheriff’s office, while thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash site.
Residents within one mile were ordered to leave the area before evacuation instructions were lifted. No one on the ground was hurt. The cause remains under investigation, and officials have not confirmed earlier suggestions from local reports and air-traffic audio that a bird strike may have been involved. The incident affects a Texas-based F-16 detachment that was taking part in the Michigan training deployment.