115th Fighter Wing announces death of F-16 pilot after crash in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Updated: 4:23 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2020
MICHIGAN (CBS 58) -- The Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing has announced the death of an F-16 pilot who crashed in Michigan's Upper Peninsula Dec. 8.
The pilot's identity will not be released until 24 hours after notifying the service member's next of kin.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” 115th Fighter Wing commander Col. Bart Van Roo said. “Today is a day for mourning, and the 115th Fighter Wing along with the entire Wisconsin National Guard stands with the pilot’s family as we grieve the loss of a great Airman, and patriot.”
The crash occurred within Michigan’s Hiawatha National Forest during a training mission Tuesday night.
A multi-state, interagency search for the pilot and aircraft immediately followed the crash.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
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Posted: 3:29 a.m. on Dec. 9, 2020
MANISTIQUE, Mich. (AP/CBS 58) — A Wisconsin-based F-16 fighter jet crashed in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula while on a training mission and searchers were looking Wednesday for the pilot, who was the only person aboard, authorities said.
The plane assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard’s 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison crashed about 8 p.m. Tuesday, the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs said in a statement.
The cause of the crash, as well as the status of the pilot, weren’t immediately known, the statement said.
Emergency responders were at the crash scene. The statement didn’t specify where in the Upper Peninsula the plane crashed, but WLUC-TV reported it was in the Hiawatha National Forest near the Delta-Schoolcraft county line.
Gov. Tony Evers released the following statement on the crash:
“I was devastated to learn last night that a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard was involved in an F-16 crash in the Upper Peninsula. As search and rescue operations continue, Kathy and I are hoping and praying for the pilot’s safe return. Our hearts go out to pilot’s family as well as the members of the 115th Fighter Wing as they continue working to bring the pilot home.”