All Four Crew Members Survive Midair Collision at Idaho Air Show
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Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided during a performance at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho. All four crew members ejected safely, with only one sustaining a non-life-threatening injury. The remainder of the air show was canceled, and an investigation into the incident is now underway.
Facts First
- All four crew members ejected safely after two EA-18G Growlers collided midair at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
- Only one crew member was injured, sustaining a non-life-threatening injury and receiving hospital treatment.
- The incident occurred at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, which subsequently canceled the remainder of the two-day event.
- The aircraft involved were from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) based at Whidbey Island, Washington.
- An investigation into the collision is now underway, and recovery efforts for the damaged aircraft have begun.
What Happened
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft collided in midair during a performance at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show. The collision occurred at Mountain Home Air Force Base, located approximately 57 miles southwest of Boise, Idaho. All four crew members successfully ejected and deployed parachutes before the jets crashed into a field and exploded. According to Cmdr. Amelia Umbay, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, one of the four crew members sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The Mountain Home Air Force Base reported the aircrew are in stable condition. Following the incident, the base implemented a lockdown and canceled the remainder of the two-day air show.
Why this Matters to You
While air show accidents are rare, this incident underscores the inherent risks of high-performance aviation demonstrations. For you, the most significant outcome is the successful use of safety technology—the ejection seats manufactured by Martin-Baker—which prevented fatalities. The immediate response, including the base lockdown and event cancellation, shows established protocols to protect spectators and personnel. You may see increased scrutiny on air show safety procedures as the investigation proceeds, which could influence future event planning and regulations.
What's Next
An investigation into the cause of the collision is now underway, led by military authorities. Recovery efforts for the damaged aircraft are also in progress. The investigation's findings may lead to recommendations for changes in flight procedures or safety protocols for future air show performances. The base and event organizers will likely review their emergency response plans. The incident may prompt a broader discussion within the air show community about safety standards, though data shows the average number of deaths at U.S. air shows has decreased significantly in recent years.