MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho — May 18, 2026 : Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show on Sunday, May 17, 2026, resulting in the destruction of both aircraft. All four crew members safely ejected and survived the incident, according to U.S. Navy officials.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m. local time during the second and final day of the air show. The collision took place about two miles northwest of Mountain Home Air Force Base while the aircraft were performing as part of the U.S. Navy Growler Demonstration Team.
Officials confirmed that no spectators, military personnel on the ground, or civilians were injured.
Collision During Demonstration Flight
Video footage recorded by photographer Shane Ogden captured the sequence of events during the low-altitude aerial demonstration. The footage showed the two EA-18G Growlers maneuvering in close proximity at relatively slow speed before the aircraft appeared to make physical contact.
According to the visual evidence, one aircraft appeared to begin a turn as the two jets converged, after which both aircraft abruptly pitched upward and departed controlled flight. The aircraft then rapidly descended while appearing briefly entangled.
Moments before impact, all four crew members initiated their ejection procedures. Parachutes deployed successfully before the aircraft crashed and were destroyed on impact.
Former military pilot and instructor Dave Berke stated that the successful low-altitude ejections left very little margin for error due to the limited time available for crew escape following the collision.
Crew Members Safely Recovered
The aircraft each carried two crew members in tandem-seat cockpits, consisting of a pilot and an electronic warfare officer. Emergency response teams from Mountain Home Air Force Base, local law enforcement, county agencies, and state emergency services responded immediately after the crash.
Naval Air Forces officials confirmed that all four aviators survived the incident and were transported to medical facilities for evaluation. Initial reports indicated the crew members remained in stable condition.
Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed that the aircraft involved belonged to the U.S. Navy Growler Demonstration Team and collided during the aerial performance.
Aircraft and Squadron Information
The aircraft involved in the collision were identified as:
- EA-18G Growler BuNo 168895 (“NJ-502”)
- EA-18G Growler BuNo 168252 (“NJ-540”)
Both aircraft were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129), known as the “Vikings,” based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington state.
VAQ-129 serves as the Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for training U.S. Navy aviators and electronic warfare personnel assigned to the EA-18G Growler platform.
The U.S. Navy established the Growler Demonstration Team in 2020 at NAS Whidbey Island to conduct public flight demonstrations showcasing the aircraft’s operational capabilities and maneuverability.
Air Show Cancelled After Crash
Following the incident, officials immediately halted the Gunfighter Skies Air Show and cancelled the remainder of the event.
Mountain Home Air Force Base was temporarily placed under lockdown as emergency personnel secured the crash area and initiated response operations. The Idaho Transportation Department also closed portions of State Highway 167 between Simco Road and Highway 67 to support emergency access and investigative activity near the crash site.
Col. David R. Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, thanked emergency response teams for their rapid actions and expressed relief that all four aircrew members survived the accident.
Silver Wings of Idaho, one of the organizations involved in planning the air show, also confirmed that all crew members were safe and acknowledged the coordinated response from military and civilian agencies.
Investigation Underway
The EA-18G Growler is the U.S. Navy’s primary carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft and is derived from the F/A-18F Super Hornet. The platform is designed to conduct electronic attack missions, including radar jamming, suppression of enemy air defenses, and electronic surveillance operations.
Each EA-18G Growler has an estimated unit cost of approximately $67 million, excluding specialized electronic warfare systems.
Military authorities have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the mid-air collision. Investigators are expected to examine flight procedures, aircraft operations, maintenance records, witness statements, and video evidence as part of the inquiry.
Recovery and site security operations remained ongoing as officials worked to preserve evidence and determine the circumstances that led to the accident.
——— End of Article ———
