Michigan authorities advise shelter in place after small plane crash in Grand Traverse County

BLAIR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — 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.

Sgt. 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, Michigan.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash, and images posted to social media showed a dark plume of smoke in the air.