TL;DR
Two Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided during a demonstration at Mountain Home Air Force Base. All four crew members ejected safely and are being evaluated. The incident prompted a lockdown, and investigation is underway.
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base on Sunday, causing the aircraft to crash and prompting the ejection of all four crew members, who are safe and being evaluated.
The collision involved two EA-18G Growler jets from the Electronic Attack Squadron 129, based in Whidbey Island, Washington. The aircraft were performing an aerial demonstration when they made contact, resulting in both planes crashing near the base. All four crew members ejected safely and are receiving medical assessments, according to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam of Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Witnesses reported seeing parachutes open as the jets spiraled downward before crashing and exploding into fireballs. No injuries have been reported among spectators or base personnel, and the base was placed on lockdown immediately following the incident. The crash site is being secured as part of the ongoing investigation.
Why It Matters
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns within military air shows, which are generally considered safe but carry inherent risks. The safe ejection of all crew members is a positive outcome, but the crash underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols during high-risk demonstrations. The incident may influence future safety measures and operational procedures at air shows nationwide.
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Background
The incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home AFB, the first such event at the base since 2018. The show featured aerial demonstrations, including performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Past incidents at air shows include a 2003 Thunderbirds crash and a 2022 collision involving vintage planes that resulted in six fatalities. The industry has worked to improve safety, with fatalities at U.S. air shows averaging about one per year over the past decade, and no spectator deaths since 1952.
Weather conditions at the time included good visibility and wind gusts up to 29 mph, which did not appear to contribute to the collision.
“The four crew members safely ejected and are being evaluated by medical personnel.”
— Cmdr. Amelia Umayam
“Everyone is safe and I think that’s the most important thing.”
— Kim Sykes, Silver Wings of Idaho
“Safety-wise we’ve enjoyed really an unprecedented term of few accidents.”
— John Cudahy, International Council of Air Shows
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What Remains Unclear
Details about the exact cause of the collision are still emerging, and investigators have not yet released a definitive report. The extent of any potential mechanical or operational issues remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
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What’s Next
Authorities will continue their investigation into the cause of the collision. The crash site will be examined, and the aircraft will be recovered. The base has announced that the road closure from Simco Rd to SH-67 near Mountain Home AFB is expected to last several days. Further updates on the incident and any safety recommendations are anticipated in the coming days.
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Key Questions
Were the pilots injured in the crash?
No, all four crew members ejected safely and are currently being evaluated by medical personnel.
What caused the collision between the jets?
The exact cause of the collision has not yet been determined. An investigation is ongoing.
Will the air show continue as planned?
The event was already concluded, and no information has been provided about rescheduling or future shows.
Are there any risks to the public or nearby residents?
There have been no reports of injuries or immediate risks to the public. The crash site is secured, and authorities are managing the investigation.
