An F-16 fighter jet crashed in rural Michigan on Thursday, with the pilot ejecting safely before the incident. The crash caused hazardous chemicals to spill from the wreckage, leading to temporary evacuations for nearby residents.
Sgt. Derek Gutierrez, a public affairs specialist at the 149th Fighter Wing in Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, confirmed that the pilot was under medical care at a local hospital. The pilot’s identity and any injuries sustained were not disclosed due to military policy.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael D. Shea mentioned that the conscious pilot was cooperating with law enforcement at the hospital. The F-16 was engaged in training exercises at a National Guard base in Alpena, approximately 305 kilometers north of Detroit.
Witnesses near the crash site shared their experiences, with Nathan Smith noting the unusual flight path of the jet before capturing the moment of ejection on video. Wendy and Fred Sobeck described hearing a loud crash and witnessing billowing smoke and explosions in the aftermath.
Following the crash, emergency officials initially advised nearby residents to shelter in place. However, due to a hazardous chemical spill related to the incident, Michigan State Police later evacuated individuals within a 1.6-kilometer radius. The type of chemical involved was not disclosed, but F-16 jets are known to utilize hydrazine, a toxic substance used in emergency power unit fuel.
The evacuation order was lifted by Thursday evening, allowing residents to return home safely. The F-16 aircraft involved in the crash were part of a group from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, participating in training exercises in Michigan.
Since 2000, there have been at least 14 significant incidents involving F-16 aircraft, as reported by the Air Force Safety Center. These incidents, termed “Class A mishaps,” typically involve damage exceeding $2 million, aircraft destruction, or service member fatalities. In a similar event last December, an F-16C Fighting Falcon from the Thunderbirds demonstration squadron crashed in the Southern California desert, with the pilot also ejecting safely.
