BLAIR TOWNSHIP, Mich.— A U.S. Air National Guard F-16C Fighting Falcon crashed Thursday afternoon in a rural area of Grand Traverse County, prompting a significant emergency response and the temporary closure of nearby roads.
The aircraft went down near the intersection of County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township, southwest of Traverse City.
According to officials, the pilot successfully ejected from the jet prior to impact.First responders located the pilot conscious and alert at the scene.The pilot was transported to a local hospital, where military and medical authorities confirmed they remain in stable condition.
The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs confirmed the fighter jet was assigned to a Texas Air National Guard unit operating in the area.
Emergency crews rushed to the site as plumes of smoke rose from the wreckage. Michigan State Police are assisting the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in securing the perimeter and managing traffic along closed roadways in Blair Township. Local authorities advised residents to avoid the immediate area while emergency personnel secured the wreckage.
No ground injuries or civilian property damage have been reported in connection with the crash.
The military has cordoned off the crash site, and an official investigation into the cause of the incident is underway.
