An F-16 jet crashed in Michigan, USA / The pilot ejected and is alive

An F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet crashed Thursday in Grand Traverse County, in northern Michigan, during a training exercise. The pilot, a member of the Texas National Guard, ejected before the aircraft hit the ground and caught fire. He was found conscious and transported to a nearby hospital.

The incident was captured in radio traffic between aircraft. The pilot, using the call sign “Buck 11,” reported a possible “mayday” and said the plane may have struck a bird, which could have affected the engine. Shortly afterward, he informed controllers that the pilot was about to eject.

The 149th Fighter Wing confirmed the crash and said it was investigating the causes of the accident. Local authorities said there were no ground casualties and no damage to homes had been reported. Witnesses described a powerful explosion and a dense cloud of smoke.

The area around the crash site was secured, and residents within an approximately 1.6-kilometer radius were evacuated. A command post was established at the Blair Township administration building to coordinate the response.