GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas Air National Guard crashed near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Grand Traverse County on Thursday afternoon, prompting an emergency response and evacuations around the crash site.

This has been confirmed by Stars and Stripes, a U.S. military news organization. The pilot was taking part in Operation Northern Cactus, a training exercise at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. The unit had also been scheduled to conduct a flyover Friday night at a football game for POW/MIA Recognition Day.

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Michael Kroll, a spokesman for Michigan’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, also confirmed to WWJ Newsradio 950 that the aircraft was an F-16 that originated in Texas. The jet was reportedly involved in a training exercise when it reportedly struck a bird, according to information heard on a mayday call.

Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine told WWJ that the aircraft crashed into a pond between two homes. Blonshine said she was told the pilot ejected and parachuted to the ground before being transported to a hospital. The pilot was reportedly conscious and alert.

Emergency crews remain at the scene, and authorities have asked people to avoid the area.

Residents within approximately one mile of County Road 633 and Jeffrey Place in Green Lake Township were also ordered to evacuate. Officials have not yet identified the specific hazard prompting the evacuation.

Witnesses reported hearing additional explosions after the aircraft went down.

Wendy Szatkowski Sobeck, who lives near the crash site, posted on Facebook shortly after the crash that she and her husband heard an explosion and ran outside.

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“We heard the crash and explosion and ran out in the yard to see what happened,” Sobeck wrote, adding that “stuff continued to explode.”

Early witness reports had suggested there may have been two people aboard the aircraft, but the latest information from officials indicates one pilot ejected.

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
This is a developing story…