All Texas Guard aircraft in Michigan grounded for 24 hours after crash
A Texas Air National Guard F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training mission Thursday afternoon in Michigan, according to the Texas Military Department. The pilot ejected successfully from the warplane, the department said, adding that the investigation is continuing.
Grand Traverse Sheriff Michael Shea told a press briefing that the pilot was taken to a local hospital and was “conscious and speaking with law enforcement.” He said the crash happened just before 2 p.m. EDT in Green Lake Township.
The department said the fighter had flown from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center on what it described as a “routine training mission” near Traverse City.
Homes and businesses within a mile of the crash site were evacuated due to a “hazardous chemical spill related to the plane crash,” the Michigan State Police said. The state police said no other injuries were reported.
An unnamed U.S. official told ABC News that all Texas Air National Guard aircraft in Michigan for the training were grounded immediately, and would likely remain so for 24 hours.