The Gunfighter Skies Air Show in the U.S. state of Idaho was interrupted on Sunday after two Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft collided in mid-air during a flight demonstration. The incident occurred at around 12:10 p.m. local time, approximately three kilometres northwest of Mountain Home Air Force Base. According to CBS News, all four crew members managed to eject from the aircraft and were later evaluated by medical personnel. The U.S. Navy said they were in stable condition.
The incident involved two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers, a specialized variant designed for electronic warfare missions. The aircraft were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129, known as VAQ-129, based at Whidbey Island in the state of Washington. The collision occurred during the second day of the air show, where the Growlers were taking part in the flying display.
Video footage that quickly spread on social media shows the two aircraft flying in close formation before colliding and descending toward the ground. Four parachutes can be seen opening shortly afterwards, followed by thick black smoke rising from the crash site. According to witness statements reported by U.S. media, the audience remained calm after the incident, while the response by emergency services on the ground was controlled and well organized.
Following the incident, Mountain Home Air Force Base temporarily restricted the movement of visitors so that emergency crews could access the crash site without obstruction. The remainder of the air show programme was immediately cancelled, while local police urged the public not to travel toward the base. According to Reuters, part of State Highway 167 near the crash area was expected to remain closed for several days due to the investigation and cleanup operations.
Colonel David R. Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, thanked emergency responders and visitors for their cooperation, stressing that the most important fact was that all crew members survived the incident. Mountain Home Air Force Base is home to the 366th Fighter Wing, known as the “Gunfighters”, after which the air show is named.
The cause of the collision has not yet been officially determined. The investigation will be conducted by the relevant U.S. military and Navy authorities, with key information expected after the analysis of video footage, aircraft data, and statements from the surviving crew members. This year’s Gunfighter Skies Air Show was the first to be held since 2018, giving the event additional significance for the local community and the military base.
