Four military pilots survived after two U.S. Navy jets collided during a live air show performance at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, triggering an emergency response and a temporary shutdown of the event, officials and witnesses said.
The incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, where spectators witnessed the aircraft crash after appearing to lose formation mid-flight. Authorities confirmed that all four pilots involved ejected safely and were recovered for medical evaluation. No fatalities were immediately reported.
Midair collision disrupts air show
According to early reports from the U.S. Air Force and eyewitness accounts, the jets were performing a coordinated demonstration when they made contact in the air. Video footage shared online showed the aircraft flying in close formation before the collision, followed by parachutes deploying moments later.
Emergency teams stationed at the base responded immediately when debris fell near the runway. The base was placed under lockdown as a precaution while rescue operations were carried out and the airspace was secured.
Officials said the aircraft involved are believed to be EA-18G Growler jets assigned to a Navy demonstration unit, though the exact circumstances of the collision remain under investigation.
Emergency response and pilot safety confirmed
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Military officials confirmed that all four pilots survived the incident and were taken for medical checks. Authorities said their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, though full assessments were ongoing.
Rescue teams worked quickly to reach the pilots after they parachuted in. Spectators were moved away from certain sections of the airfield as emergency vehicles moved across the site.
The Mountain Home Air Force Base public affairs office said investigators from the U.S. Air Force and Navy aviation safety teams would examine flight data, communication logs, and wreckage to determine what caused the collision.
No official statement has been made on whether mechanical failure, human error, or environmental conditions played a role.
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Investigation underway
The crash comes during a high-profile military air show that had drawn large crowds and featured multiple demonstration teams. The event has since been suspended as investigators continue their work.
Military air shows are widely used to showcase aviation capability and training, but they involve high-risk precision flying.
Authorities said the findings from this investigation will be reviewed by both Navy and Air Force safety boards, with possible changes to formation flying procedures depending on the outcome.
The incident raises renewed concerns about safety risks in military air demonstrations, where aircraft operate at high speed and in close proximity to large public crowds.
