A US F-16 fighter jet has crashed in northern Michigan during a routine training mission, with its pilot ejecting moments before the aircraft came down.
The fighter crashed at around 2pm local time on Thursday, 17 September, near County Road 633 between Jeffrey Place and Blair Townhall Road in Green Lake Township, Grand Traverse County.
Dramatic images from the scene showed a large fireball and thick black smoke rising from wreckage scattered across a field.
The aircraft belonged to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing and had been conducting a routine training mission when the incident happened.
Pilot ejects before crash
Military officials confirmed the pilot successfully ejected from the F-16 before impact.
The pilot was taken to a local hospital and was reported to be conscious, alert and in a stable condition.
Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael D. Shea confirmed the pilot had been able to speak with law enforcement officers at hospital.
No other injuries were reported.
Master Sergeant Augustin Salazar, of the 149th Fighter Wing, said: “We are aware of an incident involving an F-16 from Texas crashing in an area around Traverse City.
“He is receiving medical care and is in stable condition.”
Possible bird strike investigated
The cause of the crash has not been officially determined, although air traffic control communications indicated a possible bird strike shortly before the aircraft went down.
In audio reported from the incident, a military pilot told controllers there had been a possible mayday and that the aircraft may have struck a bird.
Another transmission suggested the F-16 may have suffered an engine failure before the pilot ejected.
The Texas Air National Guard said it was investigating the incident.
A witness, Fred Sobeck, told the Associated Press he heard a loud crash before seeing a “big fireball in the field” near a house and camper.
Police subsequently told him to leave the area because of explosions at the crash site.
Roads surrounding the scene were blocked while emergency crews responded, and residents nearby were initially ordered to shelter in place.
Authorities have stressed that the precise cause of the crash remains under investigation.
