US Fighter Jets Collide Mid-Air During Idaho Air Show, Four Crew Members Eject Safely

Idaho (United States), May 2026 : Two US military fighter jets collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, forcing authorities to place the air base under lockdown and cancel all remaining events scheduled for the day.

The accident occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time during the high-profile air show, which had attracted thousands of spectators from across the region. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene immediately after the collision, while thick black smoke was seen rising from the crash area near the air base.

According to local media reports, the aircraft involved in the incident were two EA-18G Growler fighter jets participating in an aerial demonstration. The jets reportedly collided in mid-air before crashing nearly two miles outside Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Videos shared widely on social media captured the dramatic moment when the two aircraft struck each other during the performance. The footage showed the fighter jets breaking apart mid-air moments before parachutes appeared in the sky, indicating that the crew members had managed to eject safely before impact.

The Idaho Statesman newspaper reported that an announcer at the venue informed spectators that all four crew members aboard the two aircraft had successfully ejected. The US Navy later confirmed that the four personnel escaped safely after the mid-air collision during the demonstration flight.

Following the incident, authorities immediately suspended all remaining activities at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show as a safety precaution. Officials also urged spectators to remain calm while emergency and security personnel secured the area.

Mountain Home Police confirmed that the air base was temporarily placed under lockdown after the crash to allow emergency responders and investigators to operate safely around the accident site.

The Gunfighter Skies Air Show had returned this weekend after an eight-year gap and was expected to be one of the largest military aviation events in the region. Thousands of visitors had gathered to witness aerobatic displays, military aircraft flyovers, and aerial demonstrations by US armed forces personnel.

Reports indicated that organisers had spent nearly two years preparing for the return of the large-scale event. Extensive safety arrangements, including deployment of maintenance crews, firefighters, medical staff, and emergency response teams, had been made throughout the weekend programme.

Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the collision. Investigators are expected to examine flight data, communication records, and eyewitness accounts to determine how the two aircraft came into contact during the air show demonstration.

Team Maverick.