Two EA-18 fighter jets collide mid-air during Idaho air show; video captures crash

Two EA-18 fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show at a military base in Idaho on Sunday, with dramatic footage capturing the moment the aircraft appeared to smash into each other before plunging towards the ground in flames. Videos shared online showed four parachutes opening in the sky moments after the collision, indicating that all aircrew managed to eject safely.


The incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, around 50 miles southeast of Boise. According to reports from local broadcaster IdahoNews, the two aircraft, believed to be EA-18G Growler fighter jets, were performing close-formation manoeuvres when they collided roughly two miles from the base.



Witness videos showed the jets flying extremely close together before becoming entangled mid-air. Sparks were seen flying from the aircraft as they spiralled towards the ground, ending in a massive fireball and thick black smoke rising above the base.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene as the base was immediately placed under lockdown. In a statement on social media, Mountain Home Air Force Base confirmed that responders were at the site and an investigation had been launched into the crash.

Announcements at the base reportedly said all airmen involved had parachuted to safety and were “ok”, though officials did not immediately release further details about injuries or the cause of the collision.

Following the crash, organisers cancelled the remainder of the Fighter Skies air show. Mountain Home Police also urged residents to avoid travelling to the base while emergency operations continued.