Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided mid-air on Sunday during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Remarkably, none of the four crew members sustained serious injuries.
The incident transpired around 12:10 p.m., approximately two miles northwest of the base, as confirmed by the public affairs office of the 366th Fighter Wing.
These aircraft, belonging to the Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 "Vikings" based in Whidbey Island, Washington, were performing a demonstration for thousands of spectators when the crash occurred, according to the Idaho Statesman.
After the collision, four parachutes emerged in the sky, prompting the air show's announcer to reassure the crowd, "The crews managed to eject. There are four good parachutes. That's always a positive in our world. If you're inclined, take a moment to offer a prayer."
The aircraft crashed onto Grand View Highway, also known as Idaho 167, leading to the immediate closure of the road and sparking a brush fire in the area.
"All four crew members successfully ejected and are being evaluated by medical personnel," stated the public affairs office of the 366th Fighter Wing in a release issued at 3:18 p.m.
By shortly after 6 p.m., the base confirmed via social media that the entire crew involved was in "stable condition."
Air St. Luke's, involved in the emergency response, clarified that the "reported injuries were not life-threatening."
Colonel David Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, praised the response teams: "Above all, we are incredibly thankful that everyone involved in today's incident is safe. The outstanding professionalism of our emergency response teams, including those from the city and county, enabled a swift response to the crew."
An analysis shared on social media suggested that the trailing aircraft might have descended onto the lead plane, possibly losing sight of it in a blind spot.
Attendees were instructed to remain on the base while emergency teams managed the fire and attended to the pilots.
The rest of the air show was canceled around 2:30 p.m.
The Gunfighter Skies event was being held for the first time in eight years. The previous edition, in 2018, was marred by the death of a hang glider pilot in a crash. In 2003, a Thunderbird aircraft also crashed during an air show at the same base, although its pilot was able to eject safely.
Similar accidents have occurred at other U.S. air shows, such as the collision of a B-17 and a P-63 at the Wings Over Dallas show in November 2022, or the crash of an aircraft before the Stuart Air Show in Florida in November 2019.
The Grand View Highway will remain closed between South Simco Road and Airbase Road for "several days" as authorities investigate the accident's causes, according to an official statement from the base.
Key Questions About the Mountain Home Air Show Incident
What caused the mid-air collision at the Gunfighter Skies air show?
While the exact cause is still under investigation, an analysis suggests that one aircraft might have descended onto another after losing sight of it in a blind spot.
Were there any casualties in the Mountain Home collision?
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported, and all four crew members ejected safely and were in stable condition.
How did the incident affect the Gunfighter Skies air show?
The remainder of the air show was canceled as emergency teams managed the situation and ensured the safety of the attendees and crew.