F-16 from Texas crashes in Michigan, evacuation order issued, tell me about this news in (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/f-16-from-texas-crashes-in-michigan-evacuation-order-issued/ar-AA2crT42?ocid=BingNewsVerp)

On Thursday afternoon, September 17, 2026, an F-16 fighter jet assigned to the Texas Air National Guard crashed in rural northern Michigan, prompting local authorities to issue an evacuation order around the crash site.

WFAA

Key Details of the Incident:

• The Aircraft and Mission: The jet belonged to the 149th Fighter Wing based out of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. It was in Michigan taking part in a scheduled joint training exercise tied to the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.

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• Crash Location: The crash occurred around 2:00 p.m. in Grand Traverse County, Michigan (near Blair Township and Green Lake Township, south of Traverse City, around County Road 633).

  Hindustan Times

• Pilot Status: The pilot successfully ejected prior to impact. Officials confirmed the pilot was found conscious, transported to a local hospital, and listed in stable condition. There were no immediate reports of ground casualties or struck residential homes.

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• Evacuation and Hazard Warnings: Grand Traverse County Emergency Management and the Michigan State Police initially instructed nearby residents to shelter indoors. Shortly after, authorities upgraded the advisory to a mandatory evacuation covering a 1-mile radius from the wreckage. The evacuation was initiated due to heavy smoke, recurring explosions at the site, and the risk of hazardous materialsspecifically the toxic chemicals (such as hydrazine) used in the emergency power systems of F-16 jets. A local shelter was opened for displaced residents.

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• Potential Cause: While a formal military investigation is underway, air traffic control audio recorded shortly before the crash indicated the pilot’s wingman reported a possible bird strike that may have led to engine loss.

  Hindustan Times