F-16 Fighter Jet Crashes in Blair Township, Michigan
An F-16 Fighting Falcon has crashed in Blair Township, located in northern Michigan. The incident led to the pilot needing to eject from the aircraft, prompting evacuations in the area due to a chemical spill from the wreckage.
Reportedly, on Thursday afternoon, a pilot identified as “Buck 11” informed air traffic control about a suspected bird strike that had disabled an engine. This pilot, part of the Texas National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing based in Lackland, Texas, managed to eject safely.
“We have a possible mayday by wingman; I believe may have taken a bird,” Buck 11 communicated. “Alert emergency services! He’s gonna have to get out, and it’s gonna be in the town that I’m overhead now.”
Sergeant Derek Gutierrez, representing the 149th Fighter Wing, indicated that while the pilot was receiving medical care at a nearby hospital after parachuting to safety, he could not disclose the pilot’s name or the specifics of any injuries due to military regulations.
According to Michigan state police, the pilot is stable. Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael D. Shea reported that the pilot was conscious and able to communicate with officers at the hospital.
“We are currently investigating the mishap,” a spokesperson from the 149th Fighter Wing mentioned.
Nicole Conrad, a local resident who witnessed the event, noted that her children were the first to spot the jet. She described the moment: “I hear a big boom, and then I see a colorful parachute and this guy floating down from the sky.”
Another witness, Ed Wilson, recalled watching the explosion followed by black smoke. He stated, “The jet just went straight in with a nose up and disappeared.”
In response to the chemical leak, officials evacuated all businesses and residences within a mile radius of the crash site, although this order was lifted later that evening.
Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine mentioned that there were no reported injuries among civilians following the crash.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine aircraft typically operated by one pilot.
