IDAHO, United States: Two US Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft collided mid-air during an air show in Idaho on Sunday, prompting the temporary lockdown of Mountain Home Air Force Base.
The incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show about two miles northwest of Mountain Home Air Force Base, a base spokesperson told Task & Purpose.
The air show was immediately halted following what officials described as an “incident”.
Video footage circulating on social media appeared to show the two Growler demonstration aircraft flying in close formation before becoming locked together and descending uncontrollably towards 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
Local media, including KTVB and the Idaho Statesman, reported that all four crew members aboard the two aircraft ejected before impact.
Multiple parachutes were seen deploying as the jets fell and crashed, producing a large plume of black smoke.
An air show announcer, quoted by the Idaho Statesman, said: “We had four good parachutes. The crews were able to eject.” The announcer later confirmed the crews had been “found safe”.
BREAKING: 2 fighter jets collide and crash during air show in Idaho pic.twitter.com/qmw3O4rZp4
— BNO News (@BNONews) May 17, 2026
Mountain Home Air Force Base was placed under lockdown following the crash, with emergency responders and crash, fire and rescue teams deployed to the scene.
Officials urged spectators and the public to avoid the area while operations continued.
A base spokesperson said: “Emergency responders are on the scene. An investigation is underway. More details will be released as they become available.”
No injuries on the ground were immediately reported.
The EA-18G Growler is a carrier-based electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18 fighter jet, used for disrupting enemy radar and communications systems.
The aircraft are typically operated by US Navy squadrons based at Whidbey Island, Washington.
Four pilots and four electronic warfare officers from the Navy’s Growler demonstration team were participating in the event.
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show, held on May 16–17, had returned after an eight-year break.
The event features military and civilian aerial demonstrations, static displays and performances by teams such as the US Air Force Thunderbirds.
