Two EA-18 Fighter Jets Collide Mid-Air at Idaho Air Show
Quick Look
- Two EA-18 fighter jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday.
- All aircrew ejected safely, with four parachutes seen opening.
- The incident occurred during close-formation maneuvers, and an investigation is underway.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Two EA-18 fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Dramatic footage captured the moment of collision and subsequent plunge towards the ground in flames. Four parachutes were seen opening, indicating the aircrew ejected safely.
Two EA-18 fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show at a military base in Idaho on Sunday, with dramatic footage capturing the moment the aircraft appeared to smash into each other before plunging towards the ground in flames.
Videos shared online showed four parachutes opening in the sky moments after the collision, indicating that all aircrew managed to eject safely.
The incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, around 50 miles southeast of Boise.
According to reports from local broadcaster IdahoNews, the two aircraft, believed to be EA-18G Growler fighter jets, were performing close-formation manoeuvres when they collided roughly two miles from the base.
Witness videos showed the jets flying extremely close together before becoming entangled mid-air.
Sparks were seen flying from the aircraft as they spiralled towards the ground, ending in a massive fireball and thick black smoke rising above the base.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as the base was immediately placed under lockdown.
In a statement on social media, Mountain Home Air Force Base confirmed that responders were at the site and an investigation had been launched into the crash.
Announcements at the base reportedly said all airmen involved had parachuted to safety and were “ok”, though officials did not immediately release further details about injuries or the cause of the collision.
Following the crash, organisers cancelled the remainder of the Fighter Skies air show.
Mountain Home Police also urged residents to avoid travelling to the base while emergency operations continued.
Open Questions
- What was the exact cause of the mid-air collision?
- Are there any injuries despite initial reports of safety?
- What is the extent of the damage to the aircraft?
- Will there be any disciplinary actions taken?