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New Info On F-16 Crash Near Traverse City
Russ Survance
Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:37:17 EDT
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Residents near the site of an F-16 crash south of Traverse City are back home after authorities lifted an evacuation order Thursday night.
The Texas Air National Guard fighter went down around 1:52 Thursday afternoon in Green Lake Township. The pilot ejected before impact and was taken to Munson Medical Center in stable condition. No injuries were reported on the ground.
The crash released hydrazine, a toxic chemical used in the F-16's emergency power system, prompting officials to evacuate people within a one-mile radius and establish a temporary shelter.
The aircraft belonged to the Texas Air National Guard's 149th Fighter Wing and was flying a training mission from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center.
Radio traffic has raised the possibility of a bird strike before the crash, but officials have not determined a cause. The investigation remains underway.
