An F-16 fighter jet crashes in northern Michigan during a training flight on Thursday, with the pilot ejecting before impact, according to multiple reports. The crash occurs a few miles south of Traverse City in or near Grand Traverse County, where witnesses describe a large plume of black smoke near residential areas.
All outlets cite a military spokesman or officials saying the incident happens during a routine training exercise involving an F-16 based in Texas. CBS News adds that the aircraft narrowly misses homes as it hits the ground. One report notes that local authorities issue evacuation-related instructions in the Traverse City area, while other coverage focuses on the pilot’s safe escape and the crash location.
