A Texas Air National Guard F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training mission in Michigan on Thursday afternoon, leading to immediate evacuations of nearby residents and a hospitalization for the pilot.
The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. ET in Green Lake Township, near the village of Grawn, according to local authorities. The aircraft was operating out of the Air National Guard’s Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan, when it “experienced an incident,” the Texas Military Department stated.
Officials confirmed that the pilot successfully ejected from the stricken plane. Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea reported that the pilot was transported to a nearby area hospital where he was conscious and speaking with law enforcement personnel. No other injuries were reported.
The crash triggered a significant emergency response due to a hazardous chemical spill associated with the aircraft. Michigan State Police issued an evacuation order for homes and businesses within a one-mile radius of the crash site. The directive remained in effect for several hours before being lifted at approximately 9:45 p.m. Thursday.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing a large plume of black smoke rising from the wreckage. Following the crash, all Texas Air National Guard aircraft currently in Michigan for the training exercise were grounded. A U.S. official indicated that the grounding is expected to last for at least the next 24 hours as investigations proceed.
Hazardous spill? I hope they used the right containment methods. Environmental impact worries me.
Texas to Michigan for training again? These guys travel far for exercises. Hope the jet recovers.
One mile evacuation radius is huge. How close were those homes to the training area?
Glad the pilot is conscious and talking. That must have been terrifying for everyone nearby.