BLAIR TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A Texas Air National Guard F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed mid-afternoon Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, in Blair Township in Grand Traverse County, southwest of Traverse City, during a joint training mission, according to the Texas Air National Guard and local emergency officials cited by FOX 2 Detroit and 9&10 News.

The jet belonged to the 149th Fighter Wing. The pilot ejected before impact and was reported in stable condition at a local hospital, the Texas Air National Guard said through those outlets. No other injuries were reported in early accounts.

Grand Traverse County Acting Emergency Manager Brandon Perry confirmed crews were on scene, 9&10 News reported. Officials first issued a shelter-in-place order, then an evacuation covering businesses and residences near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road. Michigan State Police said a hazardous chemical spill tied to the crash drove an evacuation order within about a one-mile radius, FOX 2 reported.

Witness Heather Fitzgerald, traveling near Grawn, told FOX 2 she saw the jet flying low and slow, then watched the pilot eject near the treeline before the aircraft went down. Cause of the crash has not been released.

FOX 2 said its sourcing included the Michigan Air National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, Grand Traverse County Emergency Management, local reporting, and witnesses. The crash remains an active response and investigation; Insanity Developing will update if officials release cause findings or revise the casualty picture.

Sources