BOISE, Idaho — Four U.S. Navy crew members safely ejected after two military aircraft collided during an aerial demonstration at an air show in western Idaho on Sunday, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred during the “Gunfighter Skies” air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, located approximately 50 miles south of Boise. According to Navy officials, the aircraft involved were two EA-18G Growler jets assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based in Whidbey Island, Washington.
Officials said the jets were participating in a coordinated flight performance when the collision happened. Both aircraft crashed near the base shortly after the crews successfully ejected.
Crew Members in Stable Condition
Military officials confirmed that all four personnel aboard the two aircraft escaped safely using emergency ejection systems. The crew members were later reported to be in stable condition.
Emergency response teams immediately secured the crash site, while the air base temporarily entered lockdown procedures following the incident. Organizers later canceled the remainder of the air show as investigators began examining the cause of the collision.
No injuries were reported among spectators or personnel on the ground.
Spectators Witness Dramatic Mid-Air Collision
Videos shared online by attendees captured the dramatic sequence as the two jets appeared to make contact while flying in close formation. Moments later, the aircraft descended rapidly while four parachutes opened overhead.
Witnesses described seeing the planes spiral downward before crashing into an open area near the air base. The impact created a large fireball and smoke plume visible from several miles away.
One spectator who recorded the event said the jets seemed unusually close moments before impact, adding that the crews managed to eject just seconds before the aircraft hit the ground.
Investigation Underway
The U.S. Navy has launched an official investigation into the crash. Aviation experts noted that surviving a mid-air collision is uncommon, especially during high-speed aerial demonstrations.
Former aviation safety investigators explained that the aircraft appeared to remain partially connected after impact, which may have provided enough time for both crews to eject safely.
Experts also pointed out that formation flying during air shows requires extreme precision, leaving very little margin for error.
About the EA-18G Growler
The EA-18G Growler is an advanced electronic warfare aircraft derived from the F/A-18 Super Hornet platform. The jet is designed to disrupt enemy radar and communications systems and is widely used in modern military operations.
The aircraft are commonly featured in military demonstrations because of their maneuverability and advanced combat capabilities.
Air Show Safety in Focus
The Idaho incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with aerial demonstrations, despite ongoing improvements in air show safety standards across the United States.
Industry officials say accident rates at air shows have declined significantly over the past decade due to stricter safety measures and pilot training requirements.
The Gunfighter Skies event marked the return of the air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base after several years. The event also featured performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.
Authorities are expected to release additional details once investigators complete preliminary findings.
