Midair Collision Cancels Idaho Air Show

An air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, abruptly ended after a midair collision between two fighter jets on Sunday. The collision caused the planes to crash to the ground.

According to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Naval Air Forces, all four members of the aircrew managed to eject safely. They are reported to be in stabilized condition. A statement from the base confirmed these details.

The incident happened approximately 2 miles northwest of the base during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show. The collision occurred at 12:10 p.m. local time as the aviators performed an aerial demonstration.

The aircraft involved were two Navy EA-18G jets from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington, Umayam mentioned.

Video footage circulating on social media captured the jets colliding before plummeting in fiery descent, marked by black smoke. Four parachutes were seen deploying near the accident site.

Shortly after the collision, crewmembers parachuted safely from the affected jets.

Col. David R. Gunter, wing commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, highlighted the relief that all involved were safe. He expressed gratitude to first responders for their swift action and thanked guests for their patience and support during the incident.

The base initiated a lockdown at 12:30 p.m. as emergency personnel responded. Guests were asked to remain within the base to allow crews to work effectively. They eventually left around 3 p.m.

Footage posted on Instagram showed smoke rising in the background where spectators, surrounded by planes, gathered at an aircraft hangar. A witness recounted hearing, ‘We are down,’ before seeing the parachutes and black smoke. The atmosphere was described as calm and controlled, especially among military families present.

Following the crash, Mountain Home police confirmed the air show cancellation and advised the public to avoid traveling to the base. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.