{"id":158106,"date":"2026-09-19T19:02:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T13:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=158106"},"modified":"2026-09-19T15:37:50","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T10:07:50","slug":"us-air-force-f-16-crashes-in-michigan-dramatic-atc-audio-emerges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/09\/19\/us-air-force-f-16-crashes-in-michigan-dramatic-atc-audio-emerges\/","title":{"rendered":"US Air Force F-16 Crashes in Michigan, Dramatic ATC Audio Emerges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

TEXAS-<\/strong> The US Air Force\u2019s<\/a> 149th Fighter Wing, operated the F-16 Fighting Falcon that crashed in northern Michigan. The pilot ejected from the aircraft and was reported to be in stable condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The crash occurred in Blair Township, Michigan, near Traverse City (TVC). FOX 2 Detroit confirmed that the aircraft was an F-16, while WOOD-TV, an NBC affiliate, reported the initial details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"General
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Happened in Michigan F-16 Crash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon<\/a> crashed in northern Michigan, according to WOOD-TV<\/a>. The aircraft was identified as part of the 149th Fighter Wing from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video circulating on social media appeared to show the wreckage of the aircraft in flames. The footage was shared as the emergency response was developing, but the source material does not independently verify the circumstances shown in the video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FOX 2 Detroit confirmed that the aircraft that crashed in Blair Township was an F-16. Reports also indicated that the pilot was able to eject safely before the aircraft went down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air traffic control audio provides additional details about the emergency. The recording captures the pilot\u2019s wingman reporting a possible mayday situation and warning that the other pilot may have struck a bird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wingman said, \u201cwe have a possible mayday. My wingman may have taken a bird.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to posts discussing the recording, the flight involved 2 F-16s operating under the callsign BUCK 11. The aircraft were reportedly flying along the VFR low-level route VR634 when the wingman advised Minneapolis Center that the other F-16 may have hit a bird and was preparing to eject just south of Traverse City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FOX 2 Detroit confirmed that the plane which crashed in Blair Township, Michigan was a F-16.

Seeing reports that the pilot was able to eject safely. pic.twitter.com\/CfT2qriwJq<\/a><\/p>— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) September 17, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>