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.
During the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided midair on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 12:10 p.m. local time, approximately two miles northwest of the base.
All four crew members aboard the aircraft 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 aircraft were performing an aerial demonstration when the collision occurred.
Spectator videos captured the jets making contact, spinning together, and eventually exploding upon impact after the crew had ejected. The base was placed on immediate lockdown following the crash, and the remainder of the air show was canceled.
The cause of the collision is currently under investigation. The Gunfighter Skies Air Show, which featured performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, was scheduled to conclude on Sunday.