# F-16 crashes in Michigan, pilot ejects safely

> A Texas Air National Guard fighter jet went down in Grand Traverse County on Thursday during a training mission. The pilot ejected and is in stable condition.
- Title: F-16 crashes in Michigan, pilot ejects safely · CBS News
- Summary: A Texas Air National Guard fighter jet went down in Grand Traverse County on Thursday during a training mission. The pilot ejected and is in stable…
- Keywords: breaking, f-16, texas national guard, grand traverse county, michigan, plane crash, pilot ejection, news, crashes, pilot, ejects, safely
- Source: CBS News — https://cbsnews.com/news/plane-crash-grand-traverse-county-michigan-shelter-in-place
- Author: Eric  Henderson
- Published: 2026-09-18T11:08:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, f-16, texas national guard, grand traverse county, michigan, plane crash, pilot ejection, news
## Fighter jet goes down in Michigan
An F-16 from the Texas National Guard crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan on Thursday near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road during a routine training mission.
## Pilot ejects, no ground injuries
The pilot ejected and is in stable condition, receiving medical treatment. Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine said she did not believe anyone on the ground was hurt or that any homes were damaged.
## Possible bird strike suspected
Air traffic controller audio obtained by CBS News Detroit suggests the plane may have taken a bird. The 149th Fighter Wing was on a routine training mission from the Air National Guard's Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena.

> taken a bird
## Evacuation and shelter orders issued
An evacuation order took effect at about five pm local time within one mile of the crash site. Shelter was available at Kensington Church at sixty eight eighty Secor Road in Traverse City, Michigan.
## Hazardous chemical exposure reported
First responders and community members were exposed to hydrazine, a hazardous chemical. Munson Healthcare in Traverse City became the local decontamination site. Anyone within one mile of the crash site who are symptomatic should seek medical attention.
## Evacuation order lifted, some residents remain displaced
Officials lifted the evacuation order before ten pm, allowing most residents to return home. However, residents of the Glacier Pond subdivision were not able to return and were contacted by first responders about alternative arrangements.
## Key takeaway

An F-16 from the Texas National Guard crashed in Michigan on Thursday; the pilot ejected safely and no ground injuries were reported, though the cause remains under investigation.