Pilot ejects before US fighter jet crashes in huge fireball during training

18 Sep 2026 • 4:59 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Pilot ejects before US fighter jet crashes in huge fireball during training

  • A Texas-based F-16 fighter jet participating in a training exercise at a National Guard base crashed and burst into flames in rural Michigan on Thursday.
  • The pilot ejected before impact and was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment, though details regarding their identity and condition remain undisclosed due to military policy.
  • Grand Traverse County Emergency Management issued an immediate evacuation order for residents within a one-mile radius of the crash site near County Road 633 and Jefferson Place.
  • Witnesses near the scene reported hearing a massive crash and observing a large fireball and thick black smoke, with secondary explosions continuing in the debris field following the impact.
  • The jet belonged to the 149th Fighter Wing stationed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas, marking another major safety incident involving Air Force F-16 aircraft.

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