Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, causing both aircraft to crash in a dramatic fireball witnessed by thousands of spectators.
According to U.S. Navy officials, all four crew members aboard the two aircraft managed to eject safely moments before the jets crashed to the ground. Emergency response teams quickly reached the crash site, and authorities confirmed that the crew members were in stable condition with no civilian casualties reported.
Videos circulating online showed the aircraft appearing to touch during an aerial maneuver before spiraling downward and exploding on impact. Witnesses at the air show described scenes of panic and shock as thick black smoke rose near the base.
The aircraft involved belonged to the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based in Washington state. Officials later canceled the remainder of the air show and temporarily placed the base under lockdown while investigators secured the crash area.
The U.S. Navy has launched an official investigation into the cause of the collision. Aviation experts noted that successful ejections during mid-air fighter jet collisions are extremely rare, making the survival of all four crew members remarkable.
News as Reported.
