F-16 fighter jet crashes in Michigan in huge fireball during National Guard training exercise
Por Brittney Donovan — – World RSS Feed
F-16 fighter jet crashes in Michigan and bursts into flames with residents told to evacuate
A witness described seeing a big plume of black smoke and said ‘explosions kept happening’
Brittney Donovan Thursday 17 September 2026 21:23 BST
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An F-16 fighter jet has crashed in rural Michigan, sparking an evacuation order for anyone within one mile of the crash site.
The pilot of the fighter jet ejected before the crash and was rushed to the hospital, according to Sgt. Derek Gutierrez, a public affairs specialist with the 149th Fighter Wing. Citing military protocol, Gutierrez declined to provide details regarding injuries or the pilot’s identity.
The Grand Traverse County Emergency Management warned anyone within a mile of the crash site to evacuate.
“Evacuate away from the intersection of Co Rd 633 and Jefferson Pl. Follow instructions from emergency personnel. More information to follow,” officials wrote.
The aircraft, from Texas, was taking part in training drills based out of Alpena, Michigan’s National Guard Base, according to the military.
Witnesses reported a loud impact and photos on social media platforms showed a tall column of dark smoke rising from the crash site.
Wendy Sobeck said that she and her spouse heard a “very loud crash” down the street from their home.
“We thought there was a car accident outside our house. We saw big billowing black smoke. We couldn’t tell what it was, so my husband got into his pickup truck and saw what happened,” Sobeck said. “You could see the plane debris in the field. Explosions kept happening.”
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