F-16 Crashes In Michigan, Forcing Evacuation Of Area Residents
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In the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 17, an F-16 crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan.
According to a statement issued by the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas National Guard to CBS News, the pilot successfully ejected before the crash and is “in stable condition” while receiving medical treatment.
The Texas Military Department told CBS News:
“A 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon was on a routine training mission from the Air National Guard’s Combat Readiness Training Center, in Alpena, when it experienced an incident earlier this afternoon.”
Alpena County, Michigan, is about 100 miles, by air, from Grand Traverse County.
What led to the crash has not yet been disclosed, and an investigation is underway.
In video taken by an area resident who was driving by the reported wreckage, the tailplane can be seen in a field near some residential properties.
Fire and smoke can be seen pouring out from the downed F-16.
See the video, here:
🚨NEW: Video shows the F-16 crashing near Green Lake Township, Michigan.
— Lucas Sanders 👊🏽🔥🇺🇸 (@LucasSa56947288) September 17, 2026
The Pilot reportedly was able to safely ejected. pic.twitter.com/owohEW2gEu
This crash triggered a Shelter In Place order for residents within one mile of the crash, located at the intersection of Co Road 633 and Jefferson Place.
Grand Traverse County Emergency Management noted on its Facebook page that a shelter for evacuated residents was being established at Kensington Church.
This is a developing story.
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