Two U.S. Navy Jets Collide Midair During Idaho Air Show, All Four Crew Members Safely Eject

Kuala Lumpur — May 18, 2026 — Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided midair during a performance at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show on Sunday, sending both aircraft crashing to the ground in a fiery explosion. Fortunately, all four crew members ejected safely and are in stable condition.

The incident occurred around 12:10 p.m. MDT on the second day of the air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The jets, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington, were performing an aerial demonstration when the collision happened.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing the two jets collide, with one catching fire in the air before both plummeted. Dramatic video footage captured four parachutes deploying as the aircraft fell and exploded on impact, producing thick black smoke visible from the area.

Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed that all four crew members (two pilots and two electronic warfare officers) successfully ejected. They were evaluated by medical personnel at the scene, with no serious injuries reported.

The air show was immediately canceled, and Mountain Home Air Force Base was briefly locked down as emergency crews responded. Base officials stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

David Katz, who was attending the show with his family, told Fox News Digital he witnessed the collision: “We saw the smoke and fireball… One of the planes was impacted and started burning in the air.” He added that four parachutes were clearly visible before emergency vehicles rushed to the site.

The EA-18G Growler is an advanced electronic warfare aircraft based on the F/A-18 Super Hornet platform, used by the Navy for jamming enemy radar and communications.

No civilian injuries were reported, and the crash occurred away from spectator areas. This was Idaho’s first Gunfighter Skies Air Show since 2018.

Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.