Two E/A-18G Growler jets collided in mid-air 2 miles from the base during the two-day Gunfighter Skies Air Show, said Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Smoke rises from the site where two EA-18G fighter jets crashed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on May 17, 2026. Photo via X/thenewarea51
The two jets with four air crew collided "while performing an aerial demonstration" at around 12:10 p.m. MDT as part of the air show, Umayam added, noting that all four crew members ejected safely.
"The incident is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available," Umayam said.
The air show's official site lists the U.S. Navy's E/A-18G "Vikings" Growler Demo Team as one of the scheduled performers. The jets involved in the collision were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington, Umayam said.
