Mid-air Collision Halts Idaho Air Show as 2 US Jets Collide Mid-air [titlebase]

West Wood blvd – 18 May 2026 | The sudden incident where 2 US jets collide mid-air [titlebase] stunned spectators at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Mountain Home, Idaho, prompting an immediate shutdown of the event and a scramble of emergency responders. The two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic‑attack aircraft, part of Electronic Attack Squadron 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington, were executing a coordinated aerial demonstration when the collision occurred just two miles northwest of Mountain Home Air Force Base.

All four crew members successfully ejected from the aircraft and were recovered by rescue teams. Medical personnel assessed them on site, and officials reported that each airman is in stable condition. The Navy confirmed that the ejection systems functioned as designed, and the pilots were quickly brought to safety via parachutes that opened over the base grounds.

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Following the crash, the base entered a temporary lockdown while investigators from the Naval Safety Center, the Federal Aviation Administration, and local law‑enforcement agencies secured the scene. Highway 167 at Simco Road was closed for at least three days to preserve evidence, and detour routes were posted for motorists heading to and from the show. The Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office advised drivers to use Highway 51, while the Grand View Fire District warned that Highway 67 would remain closed due to a concurrent fire in the area.

Event organizers reopened the main gate for inbound traffic but limited outbound flow, directing attendees to follow designated detour routes. They also announced that the Grandview Gate would stay closed until further notice, and that traffic delays were expected to persist for several days as cleanup and investigation efforts continue.

Witnesses captured dramatic footage of the mid‑air collision, showing the two Growlers intersecting before spiraling toward the ground and exploding in a plume of black smoke. The video quickly spread across social media, prompting an outpouring of concern and praise for the quick actions of the pilots and first responders.

Military spokesperson Cmdr. Amelia Umayam emphasized that the incident is under a thorough investigation, and that no additional injuries were reported among base personnel. “The aircrew involved in the incident are in stable condition,” the base’s official statement read. “We commend the professionalism of the emergency teams and appreciate the patience of our guests during this challenging time.”

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Local officials, including Kim Sykes of Silver Wings of Idaho—an organization that helped plan the air show—stressed that the safety of the public and service members remains the top priority. “Everyone is safe, and that is the most important thing,” Sykes said.

The mid‑air collision has reignited discussions about safety protocols at civilian air shows that feature military demonstration flights. This is the third incident at an Idaho air show in the past 23 years, following a glider pilot fatality in 2018 and a separate jet mishap in 2023.

As investigators piece together data from flight recorders, radar, and eyewitness accounts, the community awaits answers about what caused the two Growlers to intersect. The Navy’s preliminary report suggests a possible miscommunication during a complex maneuver, but the final findings will be released after a comprehensive review.

In the meantime, local hospitals have confirmed that the four crew members are receiving routine medical monitoring and are expected to make a full recovery. Air St. Luke’s Hospital issued a statement praising the coordinated response of first responders and offering support to the families of the airmen.

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The cancellation of the remaining air‑show program marks a somber end to what had been a highly anticipated weekend of aviation displays. Organizers thanked attendees for their understanding and urged anyone with questions to follow official channels for updates.

Authorities continue to advise residents and visitors to avoid the closed highways and to stay informed through local news outlets for the latest traffic and safety information. The investigation into the 2 US jets collide mid-air [titlebase] event will likely take several weeks, with a full report expected later in the summer.

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