(PHOTOS PROVIDED)
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
According to a press release sent out by the 180th Fighter Wing Stationed at the Toledo Airport, an F-16 was forced to jettison its external fuel tank following an in-flight emergency that took place over Lake Huron in Michigan.
“An F-16 fighter jet assigned the 180th Fighter Wing, located at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, suffered an in-flight emergency due to a fuel tank malfunction, during a routine training mission over Lake Huron, in Northern Michigan, approximately 220 miles north of the base.”
“At approximately 1:30 p.m., July 31, 2024, one of the aircraft’s two fuel tanks was manually jettisoned from the aircraft and landed without incident in Tawas Bay.”
“The second fuel tank came apart, midair, causing pieces of the tank to land in the parking area of a local Tawas, Mich. business. Local, Tawas-area law enforcement has confirmed that no civilians were injured.”
“The aircraft landed safely at the 180FW at 2:10 p.m. and there were no injuries to the aircrew or maintenance personnel. Both fuel tanks have been recovered and there are no immediate safety concerns to those in the area. We will conduct an investigation to determine cause of the in-flight emergency.”
Additionally, a press release was issued by Losco Sheriff Scott D. Frank. “At 1315 hrs. the Iosco County Central Dispatch received a call of an explosion in the area of Baldwin Resort Road near Lake Huron. Iosco County Sheriff’s Office Deputies along with Michigan State Police Troopers, U.S. Coast Guard, Tawas City Police Department, East Tawas Police Department, East Tawas Fire Department, Tawas City dive team and Oscoda Township rescue dive teams were dispatched to the area.”
“Initial investigation determined two F-16’s from the 180th Fighter Squadron from the Toledo, Ohio Air National Guard were operating in the area. One of those F-16’s declared an emergency and dumped two external fuel tanks full of jet fuel.”
“One of those tanks landed north of Baldwin Resort Road in Lake Huron and exploded. The second landed in the Baldwin Plaza parking lot which houses Tractor Supply, Sav-a-lot and the MI SOS.”
“No injuries on the ground and only minor damage to a few vehicles. It was reported that both F-16’s landed safely in Toledo, Ohio.”
“The U.S. Coast Guard and area water rescue teams were called due to the fact we didn’t know if it was a full plane or possible pilot ejection that were in the water. After confirming the flight details and no plane or pilots were in the water.”
“The U.S. Coast Guard recovered a partial suspected fuel tank from Lake Huron. Divers were never deployed but were available on the water depending on what was found during the search.”
“Oscoda Airport advised they received a distress call from a military aircraft identified as “Buzz 11” declaring an emergency. After the original call Oscoda airport advised they did not have a plane arrive in Oscoda and also did not hear any other calls or know of the outcome of the planes that made the distress call.”
“Please stay clear of the area as containment and cleanup are under way with more Air National Guard units enroute from Ohio.”
