Four crew members eject safely after US Navy jets collide at Idaho air show
On Sunday, two E/A-18G Growler jets collided in mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, which took place near Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Navy spokeswoman Commander Amelia Umayam reported that all four crew members successfully ejected. The mishap occurred two miles away from the base while the jets were engaged in an aerial demonstration for the two-day event. Both aircraft were part of Electronic Attack Squadron 129, stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington. Following the incident, the airbase was secured. The US Navy's E/A-18G "Vikings" Growler Demo Team was listed as a performer on the event's official website. An investigation is currently underway. This show marked the first Gunfighter Skies Air Show in eight years, following a fatal accident involving a hang-glider pilot in 2018.
Key facts
- Two E/A-18G Growler jets collided mid-air at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show near Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.
- All four crew members ejected safely.
- The collision occurred while performing an aerial demonstration two miles from the base.
- Commander Amelia Umayam of Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet, confirmed the incident.
- The jets were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 from Whidbey Island, Washington.
- The airbase was locked down after the crash.
- The incident is under investigation.
- Sunday's show was the first Gunfighter Skies Air Show in eight years; a hang-glider pilot died during the 2018 show.
Entities
Institutions
- US Navy
- Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet
- Electronic Attack Squadron 129
- Mountain Home Air Force Base
Locations
- Idaho
- Mountain Home Air Force Base
- Whidbey Island
- Washington