# Texas Air National Guard F-16 crash in Michigan

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/texas-air-national-guard-f-16-crash-in-michigan
> Updated: 2026-09-21T08:53:00.000Z. Sources: 148. Developments: 2.

On September 17, 2026, an F-16 Fighting Falcon belonging to the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing crashed in a rural area of Blair Township, Michigan. The aircraft was conducting routine training exercises as part of Operation Northern Cactus near the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.

The pilot ejected successfully and was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The crash resulted in a large fireball and black smoke, prompting local authorities to issue an evacuation order for residents within a one-mile radius due to risks of hazardous chemical leaks and potential ammunition explosions. While an official cause is unconfirmed, air traffic control audio indicated a possible bird strike, and military officials have launched an investigation.

## Claims

- A military aircraft crashed near the Spangdahlem US Air Base in Germany. (corroborated by 24 sources)
- The pilot escaped the aircraft using an ejection seat. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- One person was injured during the crash. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- The aircraft was completely destroyed in the crash. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Witnesses reported seeing a large column of black smoke following the crash. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The aircraft belonged to the 52nd Fighter Wing stationed at Spangdahlem. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The crash occurred at approximately 14:30. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: US F-16 fighter jet crashes near Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany

A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed near Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany during a training mission. The pilot successfully ejected, and one person was reported injured.

86 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-near-spangdahlem-us-air-base

### 2026-09-17: Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashes in Michigan during training

A Texas Air National Guard F-16 crashed during training in Michigan. The pilot ejected safely and is in stable condition. Authorities evacuated nearby residents due to chemical and explosion risks.

65 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/f-16-fighter-jet-crashes-in-blair-township-michigan

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Cite as: Texas Air National Guard F-16 crash in Michigan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/texas-air-national-guard-f-16-crash-in-michigan