Fighter Jet Collision at Idaho Air Show: Crew Safely Ejects

Two fighter jets collided midair during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The collision occurred on Sunday, with all four crew members managing to eject safely. They are currently in stable condition, as confirmed by U.S. Naval Air Forces officials.

Kim Sykes, marketing director of Silver Wings of Idaho, emphasized the importance of everyone’s safety, as reported by CBS affiliate KBOI. Following the incident, the Mountain Home Air Force Base went into lockdown, and the remainder of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show was canceled. Emergency responders quickly arrived, and an investigation is now in progress.

Online videos captured the moment the jets became entangled midair, leading to the deployment of four parachutes and a fiery crash upon ground impact. A witness, Shane Odgen, provided a still image showing the air crew ejecting from the planes following the collision.

The aircraft involved were EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129, stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington. Each aircraft costs around $67 million, according to the U.S. Navy. Former pilot Dave Berke noted that the jets were flying at low altitude and slow speed during the incident. The margin for error was minimal, with Berke suggesting luck played a role in the crew’s survival.

The air show serves as a showcase of aviation history and modern military capabilities, featuring flight demonstrations and parachute jumps. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were slated to headline both days of the event.