Mid-Air Collision of Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers at Mountain Home AFB

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

On Sunday, May 17, 2026, a mid-air collision involving two U.S. Navy aircraft occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho. According to initial reporting by Reuters, Mountain Home Air Forces Base immediately launched an investigation into the incident, which took place just outside the military installation.

Subsequent details gathered from local emergency services and military statements confirm that the aircraft involved were two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets. Fortunately, all four crew members successfully ejected before the aircraft crashed and were recovered without major injuries.

The incident forced an immediate lockdown of the base and the cancellation of the remainder of the weekend air show. We are monitoring the ongoing investigation as military officials work to determine the exact cause of the entanglement.

Mid-Air Collision Details and Emergency Response

The Incident

The collision occurred shortly after 1:00 PM MDT on the second day of the highly anticipated air show, according to event organizers. The two EA-18G Growlers, operating under the U.S. Navy Growler Airshow Team (VAQ-129 Demo Team), were reportedly flying in close formation when they collided approximately two miles northwest of the base. Aviation outlets identified the specific aircraft by their tail numbers: 168895 (“NJ-502”) and 168252 (“NJ-540”).

Spectator accounts and video footage indicate the jets became entangled mid-air before plummeting to the ground. Air show announcers quickly notified the crowd that four parachutes had deployed. The crew members, two from each aircraft, were located safely about one mile south of the crash site.

Base Lockdown and Evacuation

Following the crash, the resulting debris sparked a brush fire, prompting an immediate emergency response. Mountain Home Air Force Base officials placed the installation on lockdown, instructing attendees to shelter in place to keep roadways clear for first responders.

In a public statement regarding the crash, a base spokesperson confirmed the location and the ongoing response:

“Emergency responders are on the scene, an investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available.”

Local law enforcement, including the Mountain Home Police Department and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by canceling the rest of the event and closing Highway 167 to through traffic. Furthermore, Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed the involvement of the two Navy EA-18G Growlers, while Kim Sykes of Silver Wings of Idaho corroborated the safe evacuation of the crews to the Associated Press.

Historical Context of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show

A Return Marred by Tragedy

The 2026 Gunfighter Skies Air Show marked the event’s return after an eight-year hiatus. Located about 50 miles south of Boise, Idaho, Mountain Home Air Force Base has historically hosted the event to celebrate aviation and showcase military capabilities.

However, the air show has a documented history of severe aviation accidents. According to historical data, this weekend’s collision is the third major incident at the event in the last 23 years. In 2018, during the last iteration of the show, a veteran hang glider pilot suffered a fatal crash on the runway. Previously, in 2003, a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 jet crashed during a performance, though the pilot successfully ejected prior to impact.

AirPro News analysis

The loss of two EA-18G Growlers represents a substantial material and financial setback for the U.S. Navy. These specialized, carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, variants of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, are highly advanced and critical to modern fleet operations.

Furthermore, we anticipate that this latest incident will prompt a rigorous review of safety protocols for military aerial demonstrations. Given that the Gunfighter Skies Air Show had just returned from an eight-year pause, a third major crash since 2003 raises significant questions about the future viability of the event. The forthcoming military investigation will be crucial in determining whether mechanical failure, environmental factors, or pilot error contributed to the collision, which will likely dictate whether the air show returns in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When and where did the collision occur?
The collision happened on Sunday, May 17, 2026, shortly after 1:00 PM MDT, approximately two miles northwest of Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.

What type of aircraft were involved?
The incident involved two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets belonging to the VAQ-129 Demo Team.

Were there any casualties?
No. All four crew members (two in each aircraft) successfully ejected and were recovered safely with no major injuries reported.

Will the air show continue?
No. Local law enforcement and base officials immediately canceled the remainder of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show to secure the area and conduct an investigation.

Sources:
Reuters
Public statements from Mountain Home Air Force Base, U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet, and Silver Wings of Idaho.