TL;DR
During a military air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, two Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air. All four pilots ejected safely, and no injuries have been reported. The incident is under investigation.
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base on Sunday. All four pilots ejected safely, and no injuries have been reported. The incident has prompted an immediate investigation and a temporary base lockdown.
The collision involved two EA-18G Growlers from the Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based in Whidbey Island, Washington. The aircraft were performing an aerial demonstration when they made contact, causing both jets to spin and eject their crew members, who parachuted safely to the ground. Witness videos show the jets colliding and exploding into fireballs upon impact near the base, approximately 50 miles south of Boise.
Base officials confirmed that all four crew members ejected and are currently being evaluated by medical personnel. No injuries or fatalities have been reported among personnel or spectators. The base was placed on lockdown following the incident, and authorities are conducting a full investigation into the cause of the collision.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns at military air shows, which are generally considered high-risk events. The safety of pilots and spectators is paramount, and such collisions are rare but serious. The incident also raises questions about the safety protocols during aerial demonstrations involving complex maneuvers.
Given the rarity of fatal accidents at U.S. air shows—there have been no spectator deaths since 1952—the incident at Mountain Home may lead to renewed safety reviews and procedural changes in future events, especially as the industry strives to maintain safety standards amid increasing air show activity.
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Background
The last major incident at Mountain Home was in 2018, when a hang glider died during the event. Historically, U.S. air shows have experienced few fatalities, with the last fatal crash involving military aircraft occurring in 2022 in Dallas, which resulted in six deaths. The International Council of Air Shows reports that fatalities have decreased significantly over the past decade, averaging about one death per year, with no deaths in 2024 or 2025.
The incident at Mountain Home is under active investigation by military authorities, and the cause of the collision remains unclear. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear with gusts up to 29 mph, and no mechanical issues have been publicly confirmed yet.
“All four crew members ejected safely and are being evaluated by medical personnel.”
— Cmdr. Amelia Umayam
“Everyone is safe and I think that’s the most important thing.”
— Kim Sykes, Silver Wings of Idaho
“Safety at air shows has improved significantly, with fatalities decreasing over the past decade.”
— John Cudahy, International Council of Air Shows
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What Remains Unclear
Details about the exact cause of the collision are still emerging, and investigators have not yet confirmed whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors contributed. The full extent of any damage to the aircraft and potential procedural lapses remains under review.
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What’s Next
An official investigation is underway, with authorities expected to release preliminary findings in the coming days. The air show event has been canceled or postponed, and safety protocols at future events will likely be reviewed and possibly revised.
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Key Questions
Were there any injuries among spectators?
No injuries among spectators have been reported. All pilots ejected safely, and emergency responders confirmed that nobody on the ground was hurt.
What caused the jets to collide?
The cause of the collision is still under investigation. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors contributed.
Are air shows still safe to attend?
While incidents are rare, authorities continue to emphasize safety measures. The incident at Mountain Home is under review, and safety protocols are expected to be strengthened if needed.
Will the air show at Mountain Home be rescheduled?
The event has been canceled or postponed as authorities conduct their investigation. Future scheduling depends on the outcome of the review.
