F-16 Jet Crashes in Michigan, Evacuation Ordered in Grand Traverse County

An F-16 jet crashes in Michigan, prompting an evacuation order. Pilot ejected safely, no injuries reported.

September 18, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Traverse City, United States — An F-16 fighter jet crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, on Thursday, prompting an evacuation order for a portion of County Road 633, according to local emergency management officials.

The pilot successfully ejected and is currently in stable condition, receiving medical care, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas National Guard. No other injuries have been reported, according to Michigan State Police, which is assisting the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office.

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The aircraft, part of the Texas Air National Guard’s Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, was on a routine training mission when it experienced an incident earlier in the afternoon. Emergency officials initially issued a shelter-in-place order along County Road 633, from Jefferson Place to Blair Townhall Road, urging residents to stay indoors and close windows. Now, an evacuation order is active within one mile of the crash site, with shelter available at Kensington Church in Traverse City. Officials are urging those in the area to move away from the intersection of County Road 633 and Jefferson Place.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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