An F-16 fighter jet assigned to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland crashed Thursday during a training exercise in rural Michigan, but the pilot ejected safely and was conscious and speaking with law enforcement at a hospital, officials said. The crash occurred near Grand Traverse County, about 190 miles north of Detroit. The aircraft was among several F-16s from the San Antonio base participating in exercises at a National Guard facility near Alpena. Sgt. Derek Gutierrez, a public affairs specialist with the 149th Fighter Wing at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, said the pilot was receiving medical treatment. The military did not release the pilot’s name or information about possible injuries. Audio posted by LiveATC.net captured another pilot telling air traffic controllers that he believed the aircraft may have struck a bird. The pilot reported a possible mayday and said his wingman had crashed after controllers offered to direct him toward airports in Frankfort or Traverse City. Gutierrez said he had not been informed of a bird strike and that the cause remained under investigation. Witnesses described a low-flying jet, a loud crash and heavy smoke. Nathan Smith, who was working at a construction site about a mile away, said he began recording because the aircraft appeared to be flying unusually low and slowly. Wendy and Fred Sobeck, who live nearby, said they heard a powerful impact and saw black smoke, debris and repeated explosions in a field. A nearby house and camper were not struck. Emergency officials initially told residents to shelter in place. Michigan State Police later evacuated people within one mile of the crash after authorities reported a hazardous chemical spill. Police did not identify the substance. F-16s use hydrazine, a toxic chemical, in the emergency power unit that supplies backup power to the aircraft. The military began operating F-16s in 1979. Air Force Safety Center records show at least 14 Class A F-16 mishaps since 2000. That designation generally applies when an aircraft is destroyed, a service member dies or property damage exceeds $2 million. The crash investigation is ongoing. Officials had not announced the extent of the pilot’s injuries or provided an estimate of damage to the aircraft and surrounding property.