- Two EA 18G Growler fighter jets collided during a parade.
- Four crew members ejected and are in stable condition.
- Aircraft from attack squadron VAQ 129 performed a joint aerobatic display.
Two US Navy EA 18G Growler fighter jets collided Sunday during an aerial display at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. All four crew members managed to eject and are in a stable condition, no injuries were reported on the ground. AFP and AP agencies reported about it.
The incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of the base. According to a statement from base officials, rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the scene and an investigation into the cause of the accident began. The air show was canceled and the base closed after the collision.
Both aircraft belonged to Attack Squadron VAQ 129, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, said Naval Aviation spokeswoman Amelia Umayam. The machines were performing a joint aerobatic display when the collision occurred.
Footage posted on social media shows the moment one plane approached the other, followed by an impact and debris could be seen falling from both planes. Subsequently, the pilots ejected and both planes crashed. After the impact there was a massive explosion.
The accident also caused a small fire in the surrounding vegetation, which was quickly brought under control. The air show was held for the first time since 2018, when a pilot died in a hang glider accident during it. the Idaho Statesman recalled.
