Two US fighter jets collide mid air, explode during Idaho air show, crew ejects safely
PTC News Desk: Two US fighter jets collided in mid-air during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, prompting an immediate lockdown of the base. The incident took place during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show shortly after 12:30 pm local time, according to local media reports. Emergency teams quickly responded as thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash area.
The aircraft involved were two EA-18G Growler fighter jets, which crashed about two miles outside the base. Videos circulating online captured the moment the jets collided before breaking apart in the air. Shortly afterward, four parachutes were visible descending to the ground.
BREAKING: 2 U.S. Navy Super Hornets/Growlers crash and collide during Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
Aviation sources tell KTVB that both aircrews ejected safely. pic.twitter.com/GPsdrwTFWq — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 17, 2026
An announcer at the event informed spectators that all four crew members had safely ejected before the crash, the Idaho Statesman reported. The US Navy later confirmed that all four personnel survived after ejecting from the aircraft.
Mountain Home Air Force Base said emergency responders remain at the site while investigators work to determine the cause of the accident. “Emergency responders are on the scene and investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available,” a spokesperson told Reuters.
Following the crash, authorities canceled all remaining events scheduled for Sunday. Mountain Home Police also confirmed that the base was placed under lockdown after the incident.
- With inputs from agencies
