Two US jets crash after mid-air collision in Idaho air show
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Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho was placed on lockdown Sunday, following a mid-air collision involving two US Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
The incident occurred on the second and final day of the public event, approximately two miles northwest of the base.
The jets belonged to the VAQ-129 Growler Demo Team and were performing a demonstration when they collided. Eyewitness videos captured the aircraft making contact, after which both began to break apart and descend.
All four crew members ejected safely before impact.
Footage of the mid air collision between a pair of Navy Super Hornets/Growlers during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base moments ago. pic.twitter.com/yQqPavmSWk
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 17, 2026
Air show announcers promptly informed the crowd that four parachutes had been observed, confirming the crews' survival. No injuries were reported on the ground, and emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene.
In response to the collision, authorities immediately locked down the base. Organizers canceled the remainder of the air show, which marked the event’s return after eight years and had featured performances by the US Air Force Thunderbirds later in the day.
Footage shows the aircraft were engaged in low-speed maneuvers when the incident occurred.
No official determination has been released regarding factors such as pilot error, mechanical issues, or environmental conditions.
The EA-18G Growler, a variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, serves as the US Navy’s primary electronic attack aircraft, equipped with advanced jamming and surveillance capabilities. Both aircraft were destroyed in the crash.
This event, while dramatic, concluded without loss of life.
