Michigan: US Air Force’s F-16 fighter jet crashed during training in Michigan, USA. The accident happened Thursday in a rural area of Grand Traverse County. According to initial information, the cause of the plane’s crash could have been a collision with a bird, however, the real cause of the accident is not yet clear and the investigation is ongoing.
How did the pilot survive?
The pilot present in the plane at the time of the accident had ejected himself in time. With the help of parachute he landed safely on the ground. After this, he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. 149th Fighter Wing spokesperson Sergeant Derek Matirez has refused to provide information about the pilot’s identity or his injuries.
What happened after all?
The F-16 jet suddenly crashed during a training mission. According to a pilot, it is suspected that the plane had collided with a bird during the flight. After the collision, it became difficult to control the plane and the pilot had to use the ejection system to save his life. After the accident, people present at the spot said that a loud bang was heard, black smoke rose and a ball of fire was visible.
Did it really hit a bird?
Bird hit is being considered as the cause of the accident. In an audio of his conversation with air traffic control, the second pilot said that he suspected that his partner’s plane had been hit by a bird. The second pilot informed the controller about this, after which the controller asked him to go towards Frankfurt or Traverse City airport. But by then the plane had crashed. Whereas the US Military spokesperson has said that they do not have any concrete information about the bird strike and the accident is being investigated.
What was the situation in the area after the accident?
After the crash, of chemical leaking from the plane also came to light. Initially the local people were asked to stay indoors. Michigan police later instructed people living within about a mile of the crash site to evacuate the area.
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Officials did not say which chemical was leaked, but the F-16 uses a poisonous chemical called hydrazine for its emergency power system.
Have F-16 crashes happened before?
The US Air Force has been operating the F-16 since 1979. Accidents have been happening in recent years also. In December last year itself, an F-16 of the Thunderbirds team had crashed in California. In that accident also the pilot ejected safely.
