Texas National Guard F-16 crashes in Michigan during training exercise, pilot in stable condition

SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 00:39Updated: SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 01:19An F-16 military jet from the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas National Guard crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, Michigan State Police announced in a statement shared to X/Twitter on Thursday."MSP personnel are assisting the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office with its response to a plane crash involving a military jet near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Rd," it said. "The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs confirms the incident involves an F-16 from Texas."MSP added that the pilot, who was successfully able to eject from the jet, is in stable condition and is being treated at a local hospital. No other injuries have been reported.The crash occured during a routine training exercise, CBS reported, citing a spokesperson of the Texas Military Department. CBS added that the reason for the crash is under investigation.According to information heard on a mayday call shared on social media, the jet reportedly struck a bird.Scene of Texas National Guard F-16 military jet crash in Michigan, September 18, 2026. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X)Evacuation order issued for nearby residentsAn evacuation order within one mile of the site was issued by the Grand Traverse County Emergency Management, and a shelter has been established at the nearby Kensington Church."If you have evacuated and need a place to go, Kensington Church and the American Red Cross are there to assist residents," the emeregency management said in a social media post.CBS cited Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine as saying that she does not believe "anyone on the ground was hurt or that any homes were damaged."Follow us on Google