4 crew members managed to eject from the US Navy fighters; air show in Idaho has been canceled
Two United States Navy aircraft collided in mid-air during a performance at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, on Sunday (May 17, 2026). The 4 crew members managed to eject from the fighters and were in stable condition, according to the base.
The accident led to the cancellation of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, an event held at the military installation. According to the collision occurred around 12:10 pm local time, about 2 miles northwest of the base.
The planes involved were 2 US Navy EA-18G Growlers, assigned to the VAQ-129 Electronic Attack Squadron, on Whidbey Island, in Washington State. The 4 aviators were participating in an aerial demonstration when they collided.
Videos posted on social media show the fighters colliding in the air before crashing in flames. Images also recorded columns of black smoke and 4 open parachutes near the crash site.
The base reported that the crew members were evaluated by medical teams after the ejection. 366th Fighter Wing commander Col. David R. Gunter said he was “incredibly grateful” because everyone involved in the incident was safe.
The military installation declared a lockdown at 12:30 pm local time. Visitors were asked to remain at the base while emergency teams responded to the site. The public was allowed to leave at around 3pm.
A witness interviewed by NBC News said he saw the 4 parachutes descending before the black smoke appeared. According to her, there were many military families among the spectators, and the atmosphere remained “very calm, controlled and well managed”.
Mountain Home police reported that the air show was canceled and asked people to avoid traveling to the base. The case will be investigated.
