Washington DC: An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Texas Air National Guard crashed in northern Michigan during a routine training mission, erupting into a fireball and prompting an emergency response in the area, according to reports.
The fighter jet, operated by the 149th Fighter Wing based at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, reportedly went down in Blair Township, Grand Traverse County, after suffering a suspected bird strike that may have damaged its engine.
The pilot managed to eject from the aircraft moments before the crash and was later taken to a local hospital, according to reports. Officials said the pilot was conscious and alert following the emergency landing.
Wingman Raises Alarm After Suspected Bird Strike
The incident unfolded during a training exercise, with emergency radio transmissions capturing the tense moments leading up to the crash.
A pilot flying under the callsign “Buck 11” alerted air traffic control after reporting that his wingman may have been struck by a bird.
“We have a possible mayday by wingman. I believe may have taken a bird,” the pilot reportedly told controllers.
He later informed air traffic control that the suspected bird strike had disabled an engine on the other F-16.
As controllers attempted to guide the damaged aircraft toward a nearby airfield, the situation rapidly deteriorated.
“Alert emergency services! He’s gonna have to get out, and it’s gonna be in the town that I’m overhead now,” Buck 11 reportedly warned.
The 149th Fighter Wing later acknowledged the incident, stating that the aircraft had gone down in a mishap.
“We are currently investigating the mishap,” the wing said in a statement.
Massive Explosion Triggers Evacuation Order
The crash sent shockwaves through the surrounding community, with residents reporting a loud explosion and a large plume of smoke rising from the crash site.
Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine told The Post that she heard the impact from her home and initially feared that a house had exploded.
“It sounded like a huge explosion,” Blonshine said, adding that she rushed outside after hearing the blast and seeing the smoke.
She said there were no immediate reports of injuries among people on the ground or damage to nearby homes. Blonshine also confirmed that the pilot appeared to be awake and alert after landing by parachute.
Authorities established an emergency command post at Blair Township Hall as rescue and response teams moved into the area.
Grand Traverse County Emergency Management subsequently issued an evacuation order for residents within a 1-mile radius of the crash site.
“Evacuate within 1 mile of the site. Evacuate away from the intersection of Co Rd 633 and Jefferson Pl. Follow instructions from emergency personnel,” the agency said in a social media alert.
Fighter Wing Was in Michigan for Training
The Texas Air National Guard unit had been deployed to Michigan for exercises at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.
According to the Alpena News, the fighter jets were also scheduled to conduct a flyover at a high school football game on Friday night.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including the reported bird strike and the events leading up to the pilot’s ejection.
