F-16 pilot safely ejects as fighter jet crashes during training
F-16 crashes during Michigan training exercise; pilot ejects safely.
Event / Disaster
US Military Aircraft Training Crashes
F-16 fighter jet from Texas-based 149th Fighter Wing crashes during training exercise in rural Michigan on September 17, 2026. Pilot ejects safely and receives medical care in stable condition.
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2026-09-18 to 2026-11-05 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 18 Sept, 00:23 UTC
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What happened
F-16 pilot ejects safely before crash
The pilot of the F-16 fighter jet ejected successfully before the aircraft crashed. The pilot was receiving medical care and was reported to be in stable condition. Military officials declined to release the pilot's identity or detailed information about injuries, citing military policy.
Massive black smoke plume visible from F-16 crash site
Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash and observing large plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site in rural Michigan. Explosions continued after the initial impact. Images and videos posted to social media showed the dark smoke visible from homes in the area. Residents heard the crash from down the road from their rural homes.
F-16 fighter jet crashes in rural Michigan during training exercise
An F-16 fighter jet from the 149th Fighter Wing (Lone Star Gunfighters), based in Texas at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, crashed in rural Michigan on September 17, 2026, during a routine training exercise. The aircraft was participating in training exercises at a National Guard Base in Alpena, Michigan. The crash occurred in an area near Traverse City and Blair Township in northern Michigan.
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