An F-16 fighter jet from the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas National Guard crashed in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, the Texas Military Department announced in a late Thursday statement.
It stated that the crash had occured during a routine training mission from the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, adding that the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft and that the incident is under investigation.
According to information heard on a mayday call shared on social media, the jet reportedly struck a bird.
In its own statement shared on X/Twitter, Michigan State Police confirmed that officers were responding to the scene of the crash.
"MSP personnel are assisting the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office with its response to a plane crash involving a military jet near County Road 633 and Blair Townhall Rd," it said. "The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs confirms the incident involves an F-16 from Texas."
MSP added that the pilot was in stable condition and is being treated at a local hospital. No other injuries have been reported.
Evacuation order issued for nearby residents
An evacuation order within one mile of the site was issued by the Grand Traverse County Emergency Management, and a shelter has been established at the nearby Kensington Church.
"If you have evacuated and need a place to go, Kensington Church and the American Red Cross are there to assist residents," the emeregency management said in a social media post.
CBS cited Blair Township Supervisor Nicole Blonshine as saying that she does not believe "anyone on the ground was hurt or that any homes were damaged."