Two EA-18G Growlers Collide During US Air Show, All Crew Safe

Dramatic mid-air collision during an Idaho air show saw two US Navy fighter jets crash, with all four crew members ejecting safely moments before impact. The EA-18G Growler collision occurred near Mountain Home Air Force Base during close-formation maneuvers.

Two EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show in the United States on Sunday, triggering a large emergency response near Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. All four crew members aboard the aircraft managed to eject safely before the jets crashed to the ground, according to officials.

The incident took place during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, which had returned this year after an eight-year break. Videos circulating on social media showed four parachutes descending from the sky moments after the collision, while thick black smoke and flames rose from the crash site.

Collision During Maneuvers

Initial reports indicate the two aircraft were engaged in close-formation aerial maneuvers when they made contact roughly two miles away from the air base. The planes involved were EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, operated by the US Navy.

Emergency crews were dispatched immediately after the crash. Authorities also locked down the air force base as a precaution, while all remaining air show events scheduled for the day were cancelled.

A spokesperson for Mountain Home Air Force Base confirmed that all four personnel aboard the aircraft survived after ejecting safely.

Videos Capture Ejection

Several videos shared online appeared to show the sequence of the accident. In some clips, smoke trails can be seen in the sky before the aircraft descend rapidly. A few seconds later, four parachutes become visible, drawing reactions from spectators gathered at the event.

Witnesses at the venue said there was confusion initially, as many believed the maneuver was part of the demonstration. Emergency sirens and response vehicles were seen moving toward the crash area shortly afterward.

The exact condition of the pilots and electronic warfare officers was not immediately released, though officials said they were accounted for and receiving medical evaluation.

Pilot Error Suspected

Aviation safety experts quoted by US media said the weather conditions at the time were reportedly clear, with good visibility across the area. According to the US weather authorities, there were no major atmospheric disturbances during the show.

Former aviation investigator Jeff Guzzetti told reporters that surviving a mid-air collision is relatively rare in such situations. He noted that both aircraft appeared to remain connected briefly after impact, which may have provided the crew enough time to eject.

While no official cause has been confirmed, early assessments are pointing toward possible pilot error during the precision maneuvering sequence. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the accident.

Air Show Returned After Gap

The Gunfighter Skies Air Show had resumed this year after being suspended for nearly eight years. Thousands of spectators attended the event to watch military aircraft displays and aerial performances.

According to organisers, preparations for the show had been underway for almost two years. The collision has now renewed attention on previous incidents linked to the venue.

In 2018, a hang glider pilot died in a runway crash at Mountain Home. Earlier, in 2003, a US Air Force Thunderbirds jet crashed during another air show event at the same location, though the pilot survived.

About The Growler

The EA-18G Growler is an advanced electronic warfare aircraft manufactured by Boeing and developed from the F/A-18 Super Hornet platform.

The aircraft is designed to jam enemy radar systems, communications networks, and air defence systems during combat operations. Each jet carries a crew of two — one pilot and one electronic warfare officer.

According to defence industry estimates, a single EA-18G Growler costs between $65 million and $70 million, roughly equivalent to ₹550–600 crore depending on configuration and onboard systems.

The investigation into the Idaho air show crash is expected to continue over the coming days, with military authorities likely to review flight data, pilot communication records, and video footage from the demonstration.