U.S. Navy Jets Collide Mid-Air at Idaho Air Show, Crew Ejects Safely

On May 17, 2026, two Boeing EA-18G Growler jets from the United States Navy collided and crashed during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in western Idaho. All four crew members aboard the aircraft managed to eject safely.

Officials reported that the aircraft were part of the Electronic Attack Squadron 129, stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington. The incident occurred while they were engaged in an aerial demonstration, resulting in a mid-air collision.

Commander Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed that the four crew members successfully ejected and were in stable condition.

Footage captured by spectators revealed that the aircraft appeared to make contact before spiraling downward. Moments before the jets impacted the ground and exploded, four parachutes were seen deploying.

Officials confirmed that there were no injuries among spectators or ground personnel. Following the collision, the air base was temporarily locked down, and the rest of the air show was cancelled.

The Boeing EA-18G Growler, a variant of the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, is equipped with specialized electronic warfare and jamming systems.

Aviation safety experts highlighted the rarity of all four crew members surviving a mid-air collision, given the limited time pilots usually have to eject in such situations. The investigation is likely to focus on formation flying procedures and pilot coordination.

The U.S. Navy has initiated an investigation into the crash, which took place during the Gunfighter Skies air show and included performances from the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.

Officials noted that visibility was clear during the event, although winds were gusting up to 29 mph at the time of the accident.