A Texas Air National Guard pilot ejected from an F-16 fighter jet during a “mishap” in Michigan on Thursday, officials said.
The pilot, assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, was conducting a routine training flight when the incident occurred about seven miles south of Grand Traverse, Michigan, a unit spokesperson told News Outlet.
Officials said the pilot ejected before the F-16 crashed and was in stable condition.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft flies in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Aug. 5, 2026. A Texas Air National Guard pilot flying a training mission ejected from a fighter jet just before it crashed in Michigan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Adriana Jordan-Alcaniz, File)
Authorities did not release additional details about the crash or the pilot.
“I’m aware of the plane crash near Traverse City,” U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said in a social media post. “I am closely monitoring the situation as we work to get more information on the incident. I am praying that the pilot and folks on the ground are safe.”
An F-16 jet fighter over San Diego (Getty Images, File)
Video shared on X appeared to show thick black smoke rising from the suspected crash site.
The Grand Traverse Emergency Management Agency directed anyone within one mile of the site to evacuate.
“Evacuate away from the intersection of Co Rd 633 and Jefferson Pl. Follow instructions from emergency personnel,” the agency said.
