Idaho Air Show Crash

A dramatic mid-air collision disrupted the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base today, resulting in the crash of two multi-million dollar military aircraft. 

At around 12:10 p.m., two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets – assigned to  Electronic Attack Squadron 129 out of Whidbey Island, Washington – were performing an aerial demonstration when they made contact. Terrified spectators captured videos of the planes becoming entangled, spinning, and then plunging to the ground about 2 miles northwest of the base. Upon  impact, the aircraft erupted into a massive fireball, sending thick black smoke into the sky. 

Fortunately, all 4 crew members were successfully ejected from the falling aircraft. Air show announcers confirmed that “four good parachutes” were deployed. First responders located the aviators roughly one mile from the crash site. Navy officials stated that the crew is now in stable condition, and there were no injuries reported on the ground. Following the collision, the military base was immediately locked down to allow emergency teams to secure the area. Officials canceled the remainder of Sunday’s events and advised spectators to leave. An official military investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision.