Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft collided midair and crashed on Sunday during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. All four crew members ejected safely and were hospitalized. One crew member sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the other three were medically cleared. No injuries on the ground were reported.
Incident Details
The collision occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m. local time on the second day of the two-day air show. The crash site was located roughly 2 to 3.2 kilometers (approximately 1.2 to 2 miles) northwest of the base, about 50 miles south of Boise. The National Weather Service reported good visibility at the time, with wind gusts up to 29 mph (47 kph).
The base was locked down at 12:30 p.m. Emergency responders attended the scene, and a fire caused by the crash was contained. The remainder of the air show was canceled.
Aircraft and Unit
The aircraft involved were EA-18G Growlers assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. The EA-18G Growler Demo Team (VAQ-129 Vikings) was a scheduled performer at the event. Each EA-18G Growler is valued at approximately $67 million.
Crew Status and Response
All four crew members ejected successfully and received medical evaluation. According to a Naval Air Forces spokesperson, one crew member sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the other three were unhurt and medically cleared after examination.
Eyewitness reports noted four parachutes descending and black smoke at the crash site.
The base stated via social media that emergency responders were on the scene.
Investigation
An investigation has been initiated by the U.S. Navy. Aircraft recovery efforts have begun. According to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, the survival of the crews may assist investigators in determining the cause of the collision.
Official Statements
- Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet: Confirmed the collision occurred during an aerial demonstration and that the four crew members ejected safely.
- Kim Sykes, Marketing Director, Silver Wings of Idaho (air show co-organizer): Stated that all individuals are safe.
- Mountain Home Air Force Base (via social media): Confirmed the lockdown and that an investigation is underway, stating, “Emergency Responders are on the scene, an investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available.”
Background and Context
Mountain Home Air Force Base hosts the U.S. Air Force’s 366th Fighter Wing, known as the “Gunfighters.” The Gunfighter Skies event was the first air show held at the base in eight years. Day 1 of the show, held on Saturday, was described by the base as “packed with unforgettable moments.” The show was scheduled to include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
Previous incidents at the base include a 2018 air show in which a hang glider pilot died in a crash, and a 2003 performance in which a Thunderbirds pilot ejected safely before an F-16 crash. Data from the air show industry indicates an average of about one death per year over the past decade, with no spectator fatalities since 1952.