Two EA 18G Growler fighter jets collided during an aerobatic display at an Idaho air show. The crews ejected and survived without serious injuries.
Two US Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided Sunday during an aerial display at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. The incident took place during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, which attracted hundreds of spectators. All four crew members managed to eject and their health condition is stabilized. No injuries were reported on the ground.
- Two EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided over Idaho during a parade.
- Four crew members ejected successfully and are in a stable condition.
- No injuries were reported on the ground despite the aircraft crashing and exploding.
- The rest of the air show was canceled and the base was temporarily closed.
- The investigation examines the technical condition of the aircraft, flight conditions and possible pilot errors.
According to a statement from base officials, the accident occurred approximately 3.2 kilometers northwest of the site. Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene and an investigation into the cause of the collision began. Organizers subsequently canceled the rest of the air show and the base was temporarily closed.
Collision during demo
Both aircraft belonged to Attack Squadron VAQ 129, which is based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. According to Naval Aviation spokeswoman Amelia Umayama, the planes were performing a joint aerobatic display when the collision occurred. Footage posted on social media shows the moment one of the planes came close to the other, leading to the collision. After the collision, debris began to fly from both planes, with the pilots ejecting just before the planes hit the ground.
After the planes hit, there was a massive explosion, which caused a smaller fire in the surrounding vegetation. However, firefighters managed to quickly bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading.
First show since 2018
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show was held for the first time since 2018. It was during the last year that a tragic accident occurred in which a hang glider pilot was killed. Organizers hoped that this year’s event would bring positive experiences, but the plane collision once again cast a shadow over airshow safety.
The accident investigation will continue in the coming days, with experts focusing on the technical condition of the planes, flight conditions and possible pilot errors. The US Navy has not yet said when the first conclusions of the investigation might be released.
