All four crew members safely ejected after two Navy jets collided during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The jets, U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129, Whidbey Island, Washington, were involved in an aerial demonstration when the crash occurred.
Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed the crash is under investigation. Base officials stated the crew members are in stable condition and no one at the military base was injured. The air show, planned by Silver Wings of Idaho, was canceled post-crash. Marketing director Kim Sykes emphasized the importance of safety.
Videos show four parachutes as aircraft fall near the base, south of Boise. The EA-18G Growler, a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, boasts advanced electronic warfare systems. The aircraft cost an estimated $67 million each.
Shane Ogden captured video of the jets’ collision, showing them spinning as crew members ejected. He departed to avoid obstructing emergency responders. The show aimed to celebrate aviation history and modern military capabilities, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti noted the unique collision may have allowed the crews to eject safely. Crowds don’t typically have time to eject in midair collisions. Expert John Cox praised the high skill level required for air show pilots, stressed that while pilots are proficient, there is a narrow margin for error.
The Gunfighter Skies event returned to the base for the first time since 2018 when a hang glider crashed fatally. The air show industry continues efforts to improve safety at about 200 events annually in the U.S.
According to John Cudahy of the International Council of Air Shows, fatalities have decreased, averaging around 1.1 deaths per year since 2017. Investigators anticipate insights from the surviving crews, although public details may be limited due to Navy oversight of the investigation.