Texas Air National Guard F-16 crash triggers chemical spill and evacuation in Michigan

Texas Air National Guard F-16 crash triggers chemical spill and evacuation in Michigan

Security

WPBN reported on 18 September that the Texas Air National Guard training-flight crash of an F-16 in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, released hazardous chemicals, prompting officials to establish a one-mile evacuation zone while the pilot remained in stable condition. Earlier on 12 September, the pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and was hospitalized in stable condition, leading local authorities to order an evacuation of nearby residences and businesses, according to FOX 2 Detroit. Subsequent reports from The Detroit News, CNN and NBC News confirmed the crash and noted no civilian injuries.

Actors

Texas Air National Guard pilot Brandon Perry Michigan State Police 149th Fighter Wing Lockheed Martin

Locations

Blair Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, United States Traverse City, Michigan, United States County Road 633, Blair Township, Michigan, United States Grawn, Michigan, United States San Antonio, Texas, United States

Articles

September 18, 2026
2 total
Texas F-16 crash in Grand Traverse County prompts evacuation and shelter
Texas F-16 crash in Grand Traverse County prompts evacuation and shelter

WPBN • 18 Sep 02:27

A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashed during a training flight in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, causing a chemical spill and a one-mile evacuation zone; the pilot is in stable condition.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashes in Michigan residential area, pilot ejects safely
Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashes in Michigan residential area, pilot ejects safely

NBC News • 18 Sep 01:12

An F-16 fighter from the Texas Air National Guard crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, after the pilot ejected; no civilian injuries were reported.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
September 17, 2026
3 total
F-16 fighter jet crashes during Michigan training drill, pilot ejects safely
F-16 fighter jet crashes during Michigan training drill, pilot ejects safely

CNN • 17 Sep 20:27

A U.S. Air Force F-16 crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, during a National Guard training exercise; the pilot ejected and was hospitalized in stable condition while nearby residents were evacuated.

Credibility 73% Manip. 8% Center
F-16 fighter jet crashes in northern Michigan during training mission
F-16 fighter jet crashes in northern Michigan during training mission

The Detroit News • 17 Sep 20:24

A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashed in a field south of Traverse City on Sept. 17; the pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition, while authorities investigate the cause.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center
Pilot ejects from F-16 that crashes near Blair Township, Michigan, prompting evacuation
Pilot ejects from F-16 that crashes near Blair Township, Michigan, prompting evacuation

FOX 2 Detroit • 17 Sep 18:59

An F-16 from the Texas Air National Guard crashed in Blair Township, southwest of Traverse City, after the pilot ejected and was reported in stable condition. A hazardous material spill led officials to order an evacuation of nearby residences and businesses.

Credibility 72% Manip. 8% Center

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