Two Navy jets crash during air show in Idaho, 4 crew members eject safely
In a recent incident that highlights the inherent risks of aerial demonstrations, two Navy jets collided and crashed during an air show at the Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The crash, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the safe ejection of all four crew members, who were subsequently evaluated by medical personnel. The incident, while fortunate in its outcome, underscores the delicate balance between showcasing military capabilities and ensuring the safety of both participants and spectators.
The collision involved two U.S. Navy EA18-G Growlers from the Electronic Attack Squadron 129 in Whidbey Island, Washington. Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, stated that the aircraft were performing an aerial demonstration when the crash occurred. The four crew members from both jets safely ejected and are now being evaluated by medical personnel. The crash is currently under investigation.
The incident took place at a military base, and, thankfully, nobody at the base was hurt. Kim Sykes, the marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, which helped to plan the air show, emphasized the importance of safety, stating, 'Everyone is safe and I think that's the most important thing.'
Spectators who witnessed the crash captured the moment on video, showing the dramatic ejection of the crew members and the subsequent crash of the planes. Shane Ogden, one of the spectators, described the scene, saying, 'I was just filming thinking they were going to split apart and that happened and I filmed the rest.'
The Gunfighter Skies event, which includes flying demonstrations and parachute jumps, is a celebration of aviation history and a showcase of modern military capabilities. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron headlined the show both days. The National Weather Service reported good visibility and winds gusting up to 29 mph (47 kph) around the time of the crash, which may have contributed to the incident.
This year's event marks the first at the base since 2018, when a hang glider died in a crash during an air show performance. In 2003, a Thunderbirds aircraft crashed while attempting a maneuver, but the pilot was able to steer the plane away from the crowd and eject just in time. The air show industry has been actively working to improve safety, with a significant reduction in fatal crashes over the past decade.
According to John Cudahy, president and CEO of the International Council of Air Shows, the industry has seen a remarkable improvement in safety. The average number of deaths at U.S. air shows has decreased from about two per year to closer to one per year over the past decade. In 2025 and 2024, there were no air show deaths, and the last spectator fatality occurred in 1952.
Despite the recent cancellation of about 10 air shows due to the Iran war, most events have been able to proceed as planned. The industry's focus on safety has undoubtedly played a crucial role in this positive trend. The quick recovery of the crew members and their ability to provide valuable insights into the incident will aid investigators in determining the cause of the crash.
In conclusion, while the crash at the Mountain Home Air Force Base serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with aerial demonstrations, the safe ejection of the crew members and the industry's commitment to safety are testament to the progress made in ensuring the well-being of participants and spectators alike.
