Fighter Jet Crashes In Northern Michigan After Training Exercise

MICHIGAN — An F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed in Michigan's Upper Peninsula around 8 p.m. Tuesday, and officials said the status of the aircraft's lone occupant is unknown.

The aircraft was assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter wing at Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison, Wisconsin, officials said in a statement. At the time of the crash, authorities said the aircraft was on a routine training mission with one pilot on board.

Authorities said they are still searching for the pilot.

“We are a close knit family and when an incident like this occurs, every member in our organization feels it," said Col. Bart Van Roo, commander of the 115th Fighter Wing. “The safety of our pilot along with search and rescue efforts are our top priority, and we will continue to pray for the pilot’s safe return."

The cause of the crash remains unknown, officials said Tuesday night. Emergency crews responded to the scene of the crash and the cause remains under investigation, authorities said.

The 115th Fighter Wing participated in a coordinated search effort with local emergency responders, the U.S. Coast Guard and other government agencies overnight. Search and rescue efforts on the ground, in the air and in the water continue, officials said.

The crash site, located in Delta County, Michigan was initially secured by local emergency responders, but military personnel and safety and security personnel from the 115th Fighter Wing are now on site, officials said.