The Texas Air National Guard aircraft was on a training flight when the accident occurred, county officials said.
LANSING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 18th Sep, 2026) A Texas Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet crashed during a routine training flight in the US state of Michigan, but the pilot ejected in time and survived.
According to US officials, the accident occurred on 17 September in Michigan’s Grand Traverse County.
The aircraft was assigned to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing and had departed on a training mission from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.
The pilot successfully ejected after the crash and was taken to a local hospital.
Officials said the pilot was conscious and speaking with law enforcement personnel, while no injuries to anyone else were reported.
An initial radio exchange with air traffic control reportedly mentioned that the aircraft may have struck a bird.
However, officials have not formally confirmed the cause of the crash, and an investigation is underway.
Residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of the crash site were temporarily evacuated because of concerns that hazardous chemicals could leak from the aircraft wreckage.
Authorities later lifted the evacuation order and allowed the area to reopen.
According to US officials, the F-16 was participating in training activities under “Operation Northern Cactus.” The aircraft’s unit has launched an investigation into the incident.
