Navy Jets Collide Midair During Idaho Air Show, Crew Members Eject Safely
Two U.S. Navy fighter jets collided midair Sunday during a military air show in Idaho, sending both aircraft crashing to the ground in a fiery explosion and forcing all four crew members to eject moments before impact.
The collision occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho during a live aerial demonstration in front of spectators.
Dramatic footage circulating online showed the two Boeing EA-18G Growler jets making contact in the air before rapidly descending toward the ground. Seconds later, both aircraft erupted into flames upon crashing.
Footage of the mid air collision between a pair of Navy Super Hornets/Growlers during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base moments ago. pic.twitter.com/yQqPavmSWk
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 17, 2026
According to reports, the crash happened around 12:10 p.m. local time during the middle of the performance schedule. All four crew members aboard the two aircraft successfully ejected using parachutes before the jets impacted the ground.
Local officials later confirmed that all four service members were located safely following the incident.
Following the crash, Mountain Home Air Force Base immediately canceled the remainder of the air show and temporarily locked down portions of the installation while emergency crews secured the crash site.
In a statement posted online, the base instructed spectators already on site to remain in designated flightline areas while first responders worked through the emergency response operation.
“Mountain Home Air Force base has canceled the remainder of the air show,” the statement read. “We are working on a plan to safely allow guests to exit base as soon as possible.”
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show is one of the region’s largest aviation events and features military demonstrations, parachute jumps, aerial stunt performances, and displays highlighting both aviation history and modern military capabilities.
Just one day earlier, the base had celebrated a successful opening day of the event with social media posts showcasing packed crowds and flight demonstrations.
“From the first takeoff to the final pass, today was packed with unforgettable moments,” the base wrote Saturday before the accident occurred Sunday afternoon.
Military officials have not yet released details regarding what caused the midair collision, though an investigation is expected to be launched immediately involving both Navy and Air Force authorities.