Michigan: A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission in Michigan on Thursday, with the pilot safely ejecting from the aircraft before it hit the ground.
The pilot, flying an F-16 operated by the Texas Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Wing, escaped without life-threatening injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. Military officials said the pilot was in stable condition.
The aircraft was taking part in a training mission from Alpena National Guard Base, around 305 km north of Detroit, when it crashed near Grand Traverse County.
A large fire broke out at the crash site following the impact. Residents in the area reported hearing a loud, explosion-like sound around the time of the crash.
Emergency teams responded to the site, while military authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The exact cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Officials are expected to examine the aircraft, flight data and other circumstances surrounding the training mission as part of the investigation.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, first deployed by the US military in 1979, is a widely used multirole fighter aircraft known for its speed, manoeuvrability and versatility. F-16s are operated by the air forces of several countries.
The US has reported several F-16 accidents over the years, including crashes involving aircraft operated by the US Air Force. An F-16C associated with the Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration squadron previously crashed in California.
The Michigan crash comes as authorities continue to assess the circumstances that led to Thursday’s incident.
