Fighter Jets Collide at Idaho Air Show, Crew Ejects Safely

Collision at Mountain Home Air Force Base

An air show held at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho was unexpectedly canceled after two fighter jets collided midair and crashed on Sunday. All four aircrew members ejected safely, confirmed Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Air Forces. The base reported all crew members were in stable condition following the crash.

Details of the Incident

The collision occurred approximately 2 miles northwest of the base during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show. The aviators were executing an aerial demo in two Navy EA-18G aircraft belonging to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington.

Videos circulating on social media showed the jets colliding midair, spiraling to the ground in a fiery crash amidst dark smoke. The videos also captured four parachutes deploying near the crash site as crewmembers ejected shortly after the midair incident.

Statements from Officials

Col. David R. Gunter, the wing commander of the 366th Fighter Wing housed at the base, expressed gratitude that all involved were safe. He commended the efforts of first responders and extended thanks to guests for their patience and support during the incident.

The base went into lockdown following the crash at 12:30 p.m. local time. Guests were asked to stay so emergency personnel could work freely until they were allowed to leave around 3 p.m. Another video on Instagram captured spectators at an aircraft hangar, surrounded by planes with black smoke visible in the background.

“We are down.”

A witness who recorded a video of the incident shared their experience with NBC News. The witness mentioned hearing someone say, “We are down” before noticing four parachutes descending and black smoke appearing. They noted that many in attendance were military families and described the atmosphere as calm and well-managed.

Event Cancellation and Investigation

The Mountain Home police announced the air show’s cancellation and advised the public to avoid traveling to the base. The incident is currently under investigation to determine the cause of the collision.