Two US Navy jets collide during Idaho air show, four crew members eject safely

Two US Navy fighter jets collided during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, with all four crew members successfully ejecting and reported to be in stable condition.

The aircraft involved were two EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129, normally based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington. Commander Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed the details of the incident. The collision occurred during a demonstration flight in front of numerous spectators.

The mid-air collision was captured on video by several air show attendees. The footage shows the two aircraft making contact in the air before going down, with the distinctive parachutes of ejection seats visible shortly after the collision as pilots and weapons systems officers escaped from the falling aircraft.

The EA-18G Growler is a specialized variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet designed for electronic warfare operations. These twin-seat aircraft are used by the US Navy to jam enemy radar and communication systems. Electronic Attack Squadron 129 serves as a training unit that prepares crews for Growler operations.

Air shows featuring military aircraft inherently carry elevated risks, as pilots often fly at low altitudes while performing spectacular maneuvers to entertain audiences. While such accidents are rare, they have historically resulted in fatalities and injuries. The fact that all four crew members survived the crash is being hailed as a testament to the effectiveness of modern safety systems.

Mountain Home Air Force Base is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Boise and serves as home to the 366th Fighter Wing of the US Air Force. The base regularly hosts air shows to showcase military operations to the public and promote interest in aviation. Flight demonstrations were suspended following the accident.

The exact cause of the collision remains unclear. Following standard military procedures, a comprehensive investigation will be launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. Investigators will examine factors including weather conditions, mechanical issues, human error, and communication failures. Results from such investigations typically inform improvements to safety protocols.

This incident adds to a series of air show accidents that have sparked discussions about the safety of such events in recent years. Critics call for stricter safety regulations and greater distances between aircraft during formation flights. Supporters argue that risks are manageable and that demonstrations serve important public relations functions for the military.

The four rescued crew members were transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation. Specific details about their exact condition were not immediately released. The successful rescue of all personnel highlights the effectiveness of ejection seat systems in modern military aircraft, which have saved countless pilot lives over the decades.

The EA-18G Growler entered service with the US Navy in 2009 as a replacement for the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft. The platform combines the speed and maneuverability of the Super Hornet with advanced electronic warfare capabilities. Squadron 129, known as the "Vikings," has been responsible for training Growler crews since the aircraft's introduction to the fleet.

Air show safety has been a ongoing concern for military and civilian aviation authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration and military services maintain strict guidelines for demonstration flights, including minimum altitudes, separation distances, and weather requirements. Despite these precautions, the dynamic nature of air show performances means that risks cannot be entirely eliminated.