Two Navy EA-18G Growlers Collide at Idaho Airshow; All Crew Safe

Two EA-18G Growlers Collide During Idaho Demonstration

Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, on Sunday, May 18, 2026. According to U.S. Naval Air Forces, the incident involved two aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron 129. All four crew members ejected safely and were reported in stable condition.

Investigation Underway Following Mid-Air Impact

The incident occurred approximately two miles northwest of the base, causing a small fire that emergency responders extinguished quickly. CNN aviation correspondent Pete Muntean noted that all four parachutes were visible, highlighting successful ejections despite extreme forces. The base went on lockdown, and the remainder of the Gunfighter Skies Airshow was canceled to facilitate the inquiry. The Idaho Transportation Department closed State Highway 167 for multiple days to support debris recovery.

Safety Investigation in Progress

While U.S. air shows have had no spectator fatalities since 1952, investigators will review flight data, maintenance records and formation procedures to determine the sequence of events leading to the collision. Experts note that formation flying carries inherent risks during close-formation turns at low altitudes. Investigators from Naval Air Forces and the Naval Safety Command are examining crew coordination and airshow routine design, with further updates expected as the safety investigation progresses.