UMVA has learned that two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided in midair during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
The crash unfolded at approximately 12:10 p.m. local time as the aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 performed a high‑speed demonstration, sending a shockwave of black smoke spiraling into the sky.
Witnesses on the ground described the terrifying moment when the jets tangled, followed by a sudden burst of flame and the rapid deployment of four parachutes—two from each aircraft.
All four crew members managed to eject successfully and were immediately taken into medical evaluation as emergency responders swarmed the crash site.
Eyewitnesses, including a family watching from a nearby vehicle, recounted the harrowing sight of the parachutes blossoming against the backdrop of fire and ash, while fire crews raced past, their sirens echoing across the field.
First responders secured the area, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the midair collision.
The EA-18G Growler, a specialized electronic warfare platform derived from the F/A‑18 Super Hornet, is designed for complex airborne electronic attack missions, making this incident particularly alarming for the Navy community.
Officials continue to assess the condition of the pilots, while the air show remains grounded pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
