All four crew members safely ejected after two Boeing EA-18G Growler jets of the United States Navy collided and crashed during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in western Idaho on May 17, 2026.
According to officials, the aircraft belonged to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based at Whidbey Island, Washington, and were participating in an aerial demonstration when the mid-air collision occurred.
Commander Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed that all four crew members from the two aircraft successfully ejected and were reported to be in stable condition.
Videos recorded by spectators showed the two aircraft apparently making contact before spiralling downward together. Four parachutes were seen opening moments before the jets crashed near the air base and exploded on impact.
No injuries were reported among spectators or personnel on the ground, officials said. Following the incident, Mountain Home Air Force Base was temporarily locked down and the remainder of the air show was cancelled.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is a specialised electronic warfare variant of the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet equipped with advanced electronic attack and jamming systems.
Aviation safety experts noted that survival of all four crew members was remarkable given the nature of mid-air collisions, where pilots often have little time to eject. Investigators are expected to examine formation flying procedures and pilot coordination as part of the inquiry.
The U.S. Navy has launched an investigation into the incident. The crash occurred during the Gunfighter Skies air show, which featured aerial demonstrations including performances by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.
Officials stated that good visibility conditions prevailed during the event, though winds in the area were gusting up to 29 mph at the time of the crash.
