At the Mountain Home Air Force Base air show in Idaho, two Navy jets collided during an aerial performance. All four crew members ejected safely, according to officials. The incident involved EA-18G Growlers from the Electronic Attack Squadron 129, based in Whidbey Island, Washington.
The aircraft were executing an air demonstration when the crash occurred. Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, representing Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed the crew’s safe ejection and stated that the crash is under investigation. Base officials reported the crew members as being in stable condition.
The military base experienced no injuries to personnel or visitors, confirmed Kim Sykes from Silver Wings of Idaho, the event organizers. The air show was subsequently canceled for safety reasons.
Footage shared by observers showed the jets making contact, leading to the pilots ejecting and their parachutes deploying. Following impact, the planes erupted into flames near the base, located approximately 50 miles from Boise.
Each EA-18G Growler is valued at about $67 million, equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems. Shane Ogden, an attendee, captured the collision and shared his recording.
The event was intended as a homage to aviation development, featuring performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Favorable weather conditions were reported, including clear visibility and winds reaching 29 mph.
Jeff Guzzetti, an aviation safety expert, remarked on the unusual nature of the collision that ensured survival for the pilots. Midair collisions often prevent ejection since they leave little time for pilots to react.
Despite the risky nature of air show performances, John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems, stated that pilots are highly skilled and trained for such events. Still, the margin for error remains minimal.
The Gunfighter Skies show hadn’t been held at the base since 2018, after an accident involving a hang glider pilot. The air show industry has progressively enhanced safety standards, reducing fatal incidents.
Recent statistics show a decrease in deaths at air shows in the U.S., with averages declining from 3.8 per year in earlier years to approximately 1.1 since 2017. Improvements have ensured no fatalities in 2023 and 2025.
John Cudahy of the International Council of Air Shows emphasized the safety strides achieved in recent times. Investigation into the crash will be led by the Navy, allowing access to firsthand accounts from the survivors.
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