F-16 Crashes In Michigan
Dramatic ATC audio of the incident has emerged. The post F-16 Crashes In Michigan appeared first on TWZ.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed in northern Michigan today, according to WOOD-TV, a local NBC affiliate. The pilot was reported to be in stable condition after ejecting from the aircraft.
A spokesperson with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs told the station that “the F-16 is a part of the 149th Fighter Wing from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas.”
Video emerging on social media showed what is claimed to be the wreckage of the aircraft in flames.
FOX 2 Detroit confirmed that the plane which crashed in Blair Township, Michigan was a F-16.
Seeing reports that the pilot was able to eject safely. pic.twitter.com/CfT2qriwJq — AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) September 17, 2026
According to air traffic control (ATC) audio, the pilot’s wingman said, “we have a possible mayday. My wingman may have taken a bird.” TWZ cannot independently confirm what caused the crash. The audio continues and offers a fairly dramatic and raw look at how the incident occurred over the air waves.
F-16 crash ATC audio, BUCK 11 flt x2 F-16s were flying along the VFR low level route VR634 when the 11 advised MINNEAPOLIS CENTER that his wingman may have hit a bird and was going to eject just south of Traverse City, Michigan
Audio via @liveatc https://t.co/sUR7KZBR2j pic.twitter.com/QdcE4ePiUd — Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) September 17, 2026
We have reached out to the 149th Fighter Wing, the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Traverse County Emergency Management Office for further details.
A shelter-in-place order was issued by Grand Traverse County Emergency Management for residents near the plane crash.
“Shelter indoors, close windows/vents,” the order stated. “Follow instructions from emergency personnel. More information to follow. This shelter in place applies to residents in the indicated area ONLY.”
This is a developing story.
Contact the author: howard@twz.com
The post F-16 Crashes In Michigan appeared first on TWZ.
