Two Navy EA-18G Growlers slammed into each other mid-air Sunday at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho, sending four crew members ejecting safely to the ground as thousands of horrified spectators watched the shocking collision unfold at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Mid-Air Disaster Captured on Video

The collision occurred during a demonstration by the Navy’s VAQ-129 Growler Demo Team as the two aircraft executed close formation maneuvers. Eyewitness footage shows the jets coming together before the catastrophic impact. Moments later, four parachutes deployed as all crew members successfully ejected from the crippled aircraft. The base immediately entered lockdown while emergency responders rushed to the crash site, and all four aviators landed safely without reported injuries.

High Winds Affected Show Operations

The Gunfighter Skies 2026 air show, themed “Freedom Takes Flight” in celebration of America’s 250th birthday, featured historic warbirds and modern fighter jets including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. This marked the first major air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base since 2018. Kim Sykes, marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, confirmed all crew members ejected and landed safely. High winds plagued the area throughout the weekend, and multiple attendees reported weather-related disruptions to scheduled performances before the collision occurred.

Investigation Underway

The cause of Sunday’s mid-air collision remains under investigation as military officials work to determine what went wrong during the demonstration flight. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, typically operated by a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and electronic warfare officer. Both aircraft involved in the collision carried full crews, accounting for the four ejections witnesses observed. Weather conditions, mechanical failure, and pilot error will all factor into the comprehensive investigation.

Safety Protocols Saved Lives

The successful ejection of all four crew members demonstrates the effectiveness of modern ejection seat technology and crew training. Military aviation accidents at air shows remain rare due to rigorous safety protocols, but when they occur, the consequences can prove catastrophic. The last major U.S. military air show accident occurred in 2011 when a modified P-51 Mustang crashed at the Reno Air Races, killing eleven people. Sunday’s incident, while dramatic and destructive, ended without casualties thanks to quick reactions from trained naval aviators.