MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho — Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided midair on Sunday during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, officials said.
All four crew members ejected safely before the aircraft crashed and are in stable condition, according to a Navy spokesperson. No spectators were injured, though the collision sparked a brush fire on the ground.
The incident occurred around 12:10 p.m. local time on the second and final day of the air show, about 2 miles (3.2 km) northwest of the base, witnesses and officials reported. Videos circulating online showed the two jets making contact during a close-range maneuver, appearing to lock together briefly before breaking apart and falling.
Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed the aircraft belonged to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.
Mountain Home Air Force Base was placed under lockdown following the crash, and the remainder of the air show was canceled. Emergency crews responded to the scene, where debris from the aircraft caused a fire that was later contained.
Col. David R. Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, said in a statement that authorities were grateful no one was seriously hurt. "We are thankful that all personnel involved are safe," he said.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. Details on the specific maneuver being performed at the time of the incident were not immediately released.
EA-18G Growlers are electronic attack aircraft used for jamming enemy radar and communications. VAQ-129 serves as the Navy's fleet replacement squadron for the Growler platform, training aircrews for operational squadrons.
No further injuries or damage to ground facilities were reported. Officials said the base returned to normal operations after the lockdown was lifted.
The Navy has not released the names of the crew members pending notification of families.
