An F-16 fighter jet crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, on Thursday afternoon during a joint training mission, sparking a large fire and prompting evacuations. The pilot ejected from the aircraft before impact and is reported to be conscious and alert.
Aircraft confirmed as F-16 from Texas Air National Guard
The National Guard confirmed the aircraft belonged to the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing. The jet went down in Blair Township, with images from the scene showing a large fire and thick smoke rising from a field. Witnesses reported hearing “explosions” after the crash.
Emergency crews are at the scene, and a shelter-in-place order has been issued for part of the surrounding area.
Evacuation order and pilot status
Locals within one mile of the crash site have been told to evacuate, specifically away from the intersection of Co Rd 633 and Jefferson Pl. Grand Traverse County Emergency Management also instructed people to shelter in place on County Rd 633 from Jefferson PL to Blair Townhall Rd.
Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine said a pilot parachuted from the plane before it crashed, and they are conscious and alert. She said she did not believe anyone on the ground was injured or that any homes were damaged.
Witnesses described seeing two pilots eject themselves from the aircraft before it crashed and erupted into flames.
