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Two U.S. Navy Jets Collide at Idaho Air Show, Crews Eject

Published 17 May 2026

Two U.S. Navy fighter jets collided midair and crashed during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday afternoon. All four crew members ejected safely before the aircraft hit the ground.

The incident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, approximately two miles northwest of the base. Videos from the scene and witness accounts show two EA-18G Growler jets colliding during a maneuver, breaking apart, and plummeting to the ground. Moments later, four parachutes were seen descending as a large plume of black smoke rose from the crash site.

An announcer at the event informed the crowd that all four crew members had successfully ejected. Officials confirmed the crews were located and that emergency services, including crash fire rescue teams, were responding. The base was placed on lockdown following the crash, and all remaining events for the day were canceled.

The Gunfighter Skies Air Show was being held for the first time in eight years, drawing thousands of spectators to see military aircraft displays and aerial demonstrations, including performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The event's return was marred...

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