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Two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, sending both aircraft crashing to the ground in front of spectators. All four crew members ejected safely and are reported to be in stable condition, according to the US Navy and base officials.

The incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, approximately two miles (3.2 kilometers) from the base, as the aircraft were performing an aerial demonstration. The air show was cancelled for the remainder of the day, and the base was temporarily locked down as emergency responders were deployed to the scene.

Coverage Comparison

The collision was reported by multiple international news outlets, including ABC Australia, Al Jazeera, BBC, Dawn, Deutsche Welle, The Guardian, Jerusalem Post, South China Morning Post, and The Hindu. While most sources provided brief or neutral accounts, several offered additional details.

ABC Australia and The Hindu provided more detailed descriptions of the incident, including quotes from eyewitnesses and confirmation that no one at the military base was injured. BBC's coverage highlighted the dramatic nature of the event and noted the approximate cost of each aircraft. Reuters, cited by The Jerusalem Post and Dawn, reported the base lockdown and the ongoing investigation.

A notable discrepancy emerged regarding the exact timing and location of the crash. Most sources reported the collision occurred during the air show on Sunday, May 17, 2026. However, some accounts, such as The Guardian's initial report, mentioned an "unspecified incident" without immediately confirming the collision, reflecting the fast-evolving nature of the story.

Key Claims

  • Mid-air collision of two Navy jets: Multiple sources confirmed that two EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base. The aircraft were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington, according to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet.
  • Safe ejection of all four crew members: All four crew members ejected safely and were in stable condition, as confirmed by base officials and the Navy. The crew members were checked by medical personnel at the scene.
  • Cancellation of the air show: The remainder of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show was cancelled following the incident. The base was locked down temporarily, and emergency responders were dispatched.
  • Investigation underway: The incident is under investigation, with officials stating that more details would be released as they become available. A portion of State Highway 167 will remain closed for several days during the investigation, according to the 366th Fighter Wing.
  • Previous air show incident: Sunday marked the first Gunfighter Skies Air Show in eight years. A hang glider pilot died in a crash during the last show in 2018.

Perspectives

Military and Official Sources

Cmdr. Amelia Umayam provided the official Navy account, confirming the collision occurred during an aerial demonstration and that all crew members ejected safely. The Mountain Home Air Force Base issued statements on social media, thanking guests for their cooperation and confirming the crew members' stable condition. The base also noted that emergency responders were on the scene and an investigation was underway.

Eyewitness and Organizer Accounts

Kim Sykes, marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, which helped organize the air show, stated that no one at the military base was hurt. Eyewitness Shane Ogden, who filmed the collision, described seeing the aircraft make contact and spin in tandem before the crew members ejected. Videos posted online showed four parachutes opening as the planes plummeted to the ground.

Community and Historical Context

The Gunfighter Skies Air Show was the first held at the base in eight years. The previous show in 2018 was marred by the death of a hang glider pilot in a crash. Organizers had promoted the event as a celebration of aviation history and a look at modern Air Force capabilities, making the collision a significant setback for the community and the base.

As the investigation continues, authorities have asked the public to avoid the area near State Highway 167, where the aircraft crashed, and to await further updates from official channels.