GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WLKI)- The pilot of a Texas Air National Guard F-16 is in stable condition after the aircraft crashed Wednesday afternoon during a training mission in northern Michigan.
The jet went down shortly after 2 p.m. near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Road in Blair Township, south of Traverse City. The aircraft had been participating in training connected to the Air National Guard's Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena.
Authorities said the pilot safely ejected before the crash and was taken to a local hospital. Michigan State Police said the pilot was alert and able to communicate with law enforcement. No other injuries were reported.
The crash prompted Grand Traverse County emergency officials to evacuate residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of the site. A shelter-in-place order was also issued for a nearby section of County Road 633.
Emergency crews responded because of concerns about hazardous materials released in the crash. Officials later lifted the evacuation order after determining the area was safe, although access remained restricted in parts of the area as investigators and cleanup crews continued their work.
The F-16 was assigned to the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas. The aircraft was in Michigan for a routine training exercise.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials have not confirmed what led to the aircraft going down.