Navy Growlers Collide at Idaho Air Show; All Four Crew Members Eject Safely

Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft collided mid-air Sunday during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The incident occurred around 12:10 p.m. MDT approximately two miles northwest of the base near State Highway 167.

All four crew members aboard the jets successfully ejected and survived without injury, according to official statements. Cmdr. Amelia Umayam of Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed the aircraft were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Both aircraft were destroyed upon impact, creating a massive fireball and thick black smoke visible from the airfield.

U.S. and Navy safety investigation boards have launched a formal inquiry into the collision's cause. The base was temporarily locked down and the remainder of the air show was canceled. Portions of State Highway 167 remain closed for cleanup and investigation. The event marks the first Gunfighter Skies show since 2018, when a hang glider pilot died during a previous demonstration.