Michigan authorities advise shelter in place after small plane crash in Grand Traverse County
A military spokesman says an F-16 fighter jet from Texas crashed in rural Michigan during a routine training exercise DETROIT -- An F-16 fighter jet from Texas crashed in rural Michigan during a routine training exercise on Thursday, and the pilot ejected safely, a military spokesman said. Derek Gutierrez, a public affairs specialist with the 149th Fighter Wing, said the pilot was receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. Gutierrez declined to release details about the pilot’s identity or any injuries, citing military policy. The plane was participating in training exercises at a National Guard base in Alpena, about 190 miles (305 kilometers) north of Detroit. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash, and images posted to social media showed a dark plume of smoke in the air.