Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided midair during an air show performance Sunday at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, prompting an emergency response as all four crew members safely ejected from the aircraft.
The crash occurred during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, according to the U.S. Navy. Officials confirmed that the aircraft were participating in an aerial demonstration when the collision happened shortly after noon.
All four crew members survived the incident and were taken for medical evaluation.
Incident
According to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the two aircraft involved were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state.
The midair collision occurred around 12:10 p.m. MDT while the aircraft were performing as part of the public air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
Witness videos shared on social media appeared to show the jets colliding before flames and smoke became visible in the air. Moments later, parachutes could be seen deploying from both aircraft before the planes crashed to the ground.
| Incident Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | EA-18G Growler |
| Number of Aircraft | Two |
| Location | Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho |
| Time of Crash | Around 12:10 p.m. MDT |
| Squadron | VAQ-129 |
| Crew Members | Four |
| Ejections | All successful |
Response
Emergency crews responded immediately after the collision. In a statement shared on Facebook, officials with Mountain Home Gunfighters confirmed that an aircraft incident had occurred approximately two miles northwest of the base during the air show.
Authorities said first responders secured the scene while investigators began examining the cause of the crash.
Cmdr. Umayam stated that all four air crew members successfully ejected and were receiving medical evaluations following the incident. Officials have not reported life-threatening injuries.
Emergency vehicles and fire crews were seen moving toward the crash site as smoke rose into the air near the base.
Witnesses
Several spectators attending the air show described seeing the collision happen during the aerial performance.
David Katz, who attended the event with his family, told Fox News Digital that he saw one aircraft begin burning after what appeared to be a collision in the air.
“We saw the smoke and fireball,” Katz said. “Apparently they collided there. One of the planes was impacted and started burning in the air.”
Katz said he and his two sons later observed four parachutes deploying from the aircraft, indicating that all crew members had ejected safely.
Other videos shared online also showed a large plume of black smoke rising near the base following the crash.
Local television station KTVB reported that law enforcement officers and emergency personnel quickly responded while officials worked to secure the area and gather information.
Aircraft
The EA-18G Growler is a military aircraft used by the U.S. Navy for airborne electronic warfare operations. It is part of the F/A-18 Super Hornet family and is specifically designed to disrupt enemy radar and communication systems during combat missions.
The aircraft is commonly used in both training exercises and operational deployments and is considered a key component of the Navy’s electronic attack capabilities.
Air show demonstrations involving military aircraft often include complex flight maneuvers that require close coordination between pilots and support teams.
| Aircraft Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Model | EA-18G Growler |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Mission Type | Electronic warfare |
| Military Branch | U.S. Navy |
| Aircraft Family | F/A-18 Super Hornet |
Investigation
An investigation into the cause of the collision is now underway. Military aviation incidents are typically reviewed through detailed inspections, flight data analysis, and witness interviews.
Officials have not yet released information regarding what may have caused the two aircraft to collide during the demonstration.
Air shows involving military aircraft are conducted under strict safety procedures, though aviation experts note that demonstration flights can involve challenging formations and precision maneuvering.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as investigators continue reviewing the incident.
The successful ejection of all four crew members likely prevented a far more serious outcome. Emergency officials continue to monitor the scene while military investigators work to determine how the collision occurred.
FAQs
Where did the Navy jet crash happen?
The crash occurred at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
What aircraft were involved?
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided.
Did the crew members survive?
Yes, all four crew members safely ejected.
What squadron were the jets assigned to?
They were assigned to VAQ-129 from Washington.
Is the crash under investigation?
Yes, officials are investigating the collision.
