4 crew members ejected safely after Navy jets crashed at Idaho show

An air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southwestern Idaho was canceled on Sunday, May 17, after two Navy jets collided midair and crashed during a demonstration, forcing four crew members to eject safely from the aircraft, authorities and base officials said.

The base confirmed to USA TODAY that two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington, collided midair while performing an aerial demonstration at the air show. The crash occurred at about 12:10 p.m. local time and involved four aircrew members.

"All four of the air crew successfully ejected and they are being evaluated by medical personnel. First responders are on the scene," the base said in a statement, adding that the incident remains under investigation.

The incident took place on the second day of the Gunfighters Skies Air Show, a free public event that featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, according to the base. The crash happened about two miles northwest of the Mountain Home Air Force Base.

The Idaho Statesman reported that rescue crews responded to a midair collision involving a performance involving two E/A-18G “Vikings” Growler demo team aircraft at the air show. During the event, an air show announcer told the crowd that all four Navy pilots were "found safe," according to the newspaper.

"We had four good parachutes,” an air show announcer said, the Idaho Statesman reported. "The crews were able to eject. They’re located one mile south of where the smoke is. The parachutes came down."

At about 1:18 p.m. local time, the Mountain Home Police Department said that the event had been officially canceled for the remainder of the day. Police advised the public not to travel to or attempt to access the base "as a spectator, as the event will no longer be taking place."

In an update shortly before 3 p.m. local time, the Mountain Home Air Force Base said the incident scene had been secured, and event attendees were now allowed to exit the base. The base had previously asked attendees at the base to remain in the area to allow first responders to secure the scene.

Videos show collision, parachutes opening in the sky

Photos and videos shared on social media showed the two fighter jets colliding midair before spinning and crashing to the ground, causing a fiery explosion and large plumes of black smoke to billow into the sky. Photos and videos also showed four parachutes opening in the sky as the crash occurred.

The incident occurred amid a wind advisory issued for portions of southwest Idaho and northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service reported good visibility with wind gusts up to 29 mph around the time of the crash.

"Areas of blowing dust and reduced visibility will create additional hazards," the weather service said in its advisory. "Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles. Use extra caution."

The Idaho Statesman reported that no parachute performers were scheduled for May 17 due to wind conditions.

What is the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho?

In an April news release, the 366th Fighter Wing announced that the Gunfighter Skies Air Show was scheduled for May 16 to May 17. The 366th Fighter Wing is stationed at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, about 50 miles south of Boise, Idaho.

The event included aerial performances, various static displays, and exhibits that focused on history and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), according to the news release.

"The Gunfighters are proud to open our gates and share our mission with the community we call home," Col. D. Ray Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, said in a statement at the time. “This event attaches a face to the mission, showcasing the skilled professionals and dedicated Airmen who make airpower possible."

The Idaho Statesman and Task and Purpose, which covers military news, reported that the Gunfighter Skies Air Show was the first held in eight years.

In 2018, a hang glider pilot died in an accident during the event, according to the Idaho Statesman. In 2003, a Thunderbird crashed during the air show, but the pilot was able to eject, the newspaper reported.