US Navy Jets Collide Mid-Air During Idaho Air Show, Video Shows Crew Ejecting Before Crash | Watch

Last Updated:May 18, 2026, 12:34 IST

Two US Navy jets collided mid-air during an air show demonstration in Idaho, with dramatic videos showing the aircraft spiralling downward before crashing in a massive fireball.

Two US Navy fighter jets collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho on Sunday, sending both aircraft spiralling toward the ground before exploding on impact. All four crew members aboard the two aircraft ejected safely before the crash.

The incident took place near the Mountain Home Air Force Base in western Idaho during a live performance involving two EA-18G Growler aircraft from the Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based in Whidbey Island, Washington.

The crash prompted an immediate lockdown of the base and the cancellation of the remainder of the air show.

Videos shared online by spectators captured the dramatic moment the two aircraft appeared to come dangerously close before making contact in the sky.

The footage showed the fighter jets spinning together after the collision, while four parachutes opened moments later as crew members ejected from the aircraft.

Seconds later, the two aircraft crashed into the ground together, erupting into a massive fireball followed by thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

According to Commander Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet, the two jets were performing an aerial demonstration when the collision occurred.

She confirmed that all four crew members ejected safely and that the incident remains under investigation.

Reuters reported the collision took place around 12.10 pm MDT, roughly two miles from the base.

Base officials said the crew members were in stable condition after the incident.

Kim Sykes, marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, which helped organise the event, told AP that no one on the ground at the military base was injured.

Reuters further reported that a section of State Highway 167 near the crash site would remain closed for several days as investigators continue examining the wreckage.

AIR SHOW CANCELLED AFTER CRASH

Following the collision, authorities immediately halted the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.

NBC News, cited by AFP, reported that the base was locked down as emergency teams responded to the scene and launched an investigation.

The event marked the first Gunfighter Skies Air Show in eight years.

Organisers had billed the show as a celebration of aviation history and modern military aviation capabilities, with flying demonstrations and parachute performances.

The US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron had been scheduled as one of the headline attractions across the two-day event.

AVIATION EXPERTS POINT TO NARROW MARGIN FOR ERROR

Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti told AP it was remarkable that all four crew members managed to eject safely during a mid-air collision.

He noted that the unusual manner in which the aircraft appeared to remain attached while descending may have given the crews enough time to escape.

Guzzetti also suggested the collision appeared more likely related to formation flying rather than a mechanical issue, saying that maintaining close formation during air demonstrations leaves “little room for error."

Another aviation safety expert, John Cox, told AP that pilots participating in air shows are among the most highly trained aviators, but demonstration flying remains extremely demanding.

INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

The US Navy is leading the investigation into the collision.

Reports noted that investigators may be able to determine the sequence of events relatively quickly because all four crew members survived and can provide firsthand accounts of what happened before the crash.

The EA-18G Growler involved in the incident is a specialised electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet. Reuters reported that the aircraft belonged to the Navy’s “Vikings" Growler Demo Team, one of the featured acts at the show.

News world US Navy Jets Collide Mid-Air During Idaho Air Show, Video Shows Crew Ejecting Before Crash | Watch

Read More