Navy Jets Collide Midair at Idaho Air Show; Crew Members Eject Safely
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho; all four crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition.
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets from the Electronic Attack Squadron 129 at Whidbey Island, Washington, collided midair during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The incident occurred approximately two miles northwest of the base at 12:10 p.m. local time.
All four crew members successfully ejected and are reported to be in stable condition. Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed that the incident is under investigation.
Following the collision, the base was placed on lockdown, and the remainder of the air show was canceled. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, and an investigation is underway.
Spectator videos circulating on social media captured the moment of impact, showing the two aircraft colliding and subsequently plummeting to the ground, engulfed in flames and black smoke. Four parachutes were visible deploying near the crash site.
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show, featuring performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, was scheduled to conclude on Sunday. The event was immediately halted following the incident.