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Published: September 17, 2026, 8:06 PM -03
Last updated: September 17, 2026, 8:14 PM -03
A Texas Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, on Thursday afternoon during a training exercise. The pilot ejected before impact and is in stable condition at a local hospital, while authorities evacuated residents near the crash site because of a hazardous-material concern.
No civilian injuries have been reported, and officials said nearby homes were not damaged. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Crash location
Emergency dispatchers reported the downed aircraft shortly after 2 p.m. near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township, south of Traverse City. The aircraft came down near residential properties, prompting a large response from local, state and military authorities.
The F-16 belonged to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing and was participating in training associated with the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, according to reporting citing military officials.
Pilot ejetts safely
The pilot was the aircraft’s sole occupant and ejected safely before the jet crashed, authorities said. The Texas Air National Guard reported that the pilot was receiving medical care and was in stable condition.
Officials have not released the pilot’s name or detailed medical information. No other injuries had been reported as of the latest available updates.
Evacuation order
Grand Traverse County emergency officials initially instructed people in part of the area to shelter in place. Authorities later ordered an evacuation for residents within approximately one mile of the crash location, near County Road 633 and Jefferson Place.
Michigan State Police said the evacuation was related to a hazardous spill connected to the crash. Residents within the designated shelter-in-place zone were advised to remain indoors, close windows and vents, and follow emergency instructions. Officials had not publicly identified the substance involved.
Cause under investigation
Early radio communications reportedly indicated the pilot may have encountered a bird strike, but authorities have not officially confirmed that this caused the crash. The incident remains under investigation by the appropriate military and civil authorities.
Officials have not announced when evacuated residents will be able to return home. Emergency crews continue to secure the area and assess potential environmental or safety risks.
What remains unknown
The following details have not been officially disclosed:
The confirmed cause of the crash
Whether a bird strike was a contributing factor
The exact hazardous substance or material involved
The full extent of the environmental assessment
When the evacuation order will be lifted
The identity and detailed condition of the pilot
The expected timeline for the official investigation
Credits and sources
Original local reporting credit: Michigan News Source.
Additional reporting: Michigan State Police updates and reporting by the Detroit Free Press, CNN, ABC7 and local Michigan news outlets.
Texas Air National Guard F-16 Crashes in Michigan; Pilot Stable
ABC News — Confirms the Texas Military Department’s statement that the F-16 crashed during a training mission, the pilot ejected safely, and the evacuation was ordered due to a hazardous chemical spill.
https://abcnews.com/US/texas-air-national-guard-16-crashes-michigan/story?id=136540121
Stars and Stripes— Confirms that the aircraft belonged to the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas Air National Guard, that the pilot was recovered safely, and that the unit was training at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.
https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2026-09-17/f-16-crash-michigan-22883398.html
USA Today — Reports that military authorities said the pilot ejected before the crash and was receiving medical care in stable condition.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/09/17/fighter-jet-crashes-michigan/91813994007/
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