North America · 17 September 2026 to 18 September 2026 · 3 headlines · CNN, Fox News, BBC News
F-16 crash during Michigan training exercise
A US Air Force F-16 crashed and burst into flames Thursday afternoon in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, during a training exercise flown out of the Alpena National Guard base, with the pilot ejecting safely. Air traffic control audio captured a 'possible mayday' call suggesting the jet may have struck a bird before going down; a controller relayed that the aircraft appeared to have lost an engine. Residents near the crash site described a loud explosion and a large plume of black smoke rising from a field close to homes, with debris visible on the ground. The pilot, assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing, was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
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18 September 2026
- Texas Air National Guard pilot ejects safely before F-16 crash in Michigan Fox News
- US military fighter jet crashes during training exercise BBC News