Two US fighter jets collided during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, leading to a lockdown and cancellation of further events. The incident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time, with emergency teams responding to the crash site. The involved aircraft were identified as two EA-18G Growler fighter jets, crashing outside the air base post-collision.
Videos shared on social media captured the mid-air collision and subsequent separation of the military aircraft. Four parachutes were spotted descending, indicating successful ejection by the crew members. An announcer at the event reassured the audience that all four crew members had safely ejected before the crash. The US Navy later confirmed the safe escape of the crew following the collision.
Authorities swiftly canceled all remaining activities as a precautionary measure after the incident. The base was placed under lockdown, with emergency and security teams managing the aftermath. The Gunfighter Skies Air Show, making a comeback after eight years, attracted numerous spectators keen on military aircraft displays and aerobatic performances by US armed forces personnel.
Organizers had dedicated nearly two years to preparing for the grand air show, deploying safety personnel, maintenance crews, and emergency response teams across the base. The cause of the mid-air collision remains undisclosed, with ongoing investigations into the incident.
