Two Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft slammed into each other during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on Sunday, May 18, 2026. All four crew members successfully ejected and landed safely after the mid-air collision unfolded before thousands of spectators gathered for the first major air show at the base since 2018.
Collision Forces Emergency Response
Video captured by attendees shows the two aircraft from the Navy’s VAQ-129 Growler Demo Team flying in close formation when they suddenly collided. Within seconds, four parachutes deployed as all crew members ejected from the damaged aircraft. Mountain Home Air Force Base immediately implemented a full lockdown while emergency responders rushed to locate and assist the ejected crew members. The base lockdown remained in effect as authorities secured the crash sites and accounted for all personnel.
Freedom Takes Flight Celebration Interrupted
The Gunfighter Skies 2026 air show, themed “Freedom Takes Flight,” was celebrating America’s 250th birthday with performances from both historic warbirds and modern fighter jets. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were scheduled to perform alongside other military demonstration teams. Kim Sykes, marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, confirmed that all four crew members landed safely following their emergency ejections. The Navy’s VAQ-129 squadron operates out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington State and specializes in electronic warfare capabilities.
Weather Conditions Under Investigation
High winds had affected the Mountain Home area throughout the weekend, forcing adjustments to portions of the air show schedule before the collision occurred. Several attendees reported that weather conditions had already impacted earlier performances on Sunday. Navy officials have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the collision. Investigators will examine multiple factors including pilot actions, aircraft systems, weather conditions, and formation procedures. The specific circumstances that led to the two Growlers colliding remain under review as the Navy works to determine what went wrong during the demonstration.
Safety Systems Prove Effective
The successful ejection of all four crew members demonstrates the effectiveness of Navy safety systems and pilot training. Each EA-18G Growler carries a two-person crew consisting of a pilot and an electronic warfare officer. The Martin-Baker ejection seats installed in the aircraft operated as designed, allowing all crew members to escape safely from the collision. Military aviation experts note that mid-air collisions during formation flying remain extremely rare due to rigorous training and strict safety protocols. The incident marks a serious setback for the celebration but reinforces the critical importance of ejection systems in protecting military aviators when accidents occur.