Four U.S. Navy crew members survived after two EA‑18G Growler jets collided midair during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in western Idaho.
The aircraft, from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based at Whidbey Island, Washington, were performing an aerial demonstration when they struck each other and crashed to the ground.
Cmdr. Amelia Umayam of Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet said all four crew members ejected safely and were in stable condition. Officials confirmed no injuries on the ground. The base immediately went into lockdown, and organisers cancelled the remainder of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
Spectators captured videos showing four parachutes opening as the planes descended together before exploding into a fireball near the base. Aviation safety experts called the survival of all crew members “remarkable,” noting that midair collisions rarely allow time for ejection.
Jeff Guzzetti, a former FAA safety investigator, said the planes appeared to remain partially intact after impact, which may have enabled the crews to eject. John Cox of Safety Operating Systems added that air show flying demands precision and leaves little margin for error.
The Navy has launched an investigation into the crash. The event was the first air show at the base since 2018.
