A high-speed mid-air collision between two US Navy EA-18G Growlers sent shockwaves through the crowd at Idaho’s Gunfighter Skies air show on Sunday, forcing all four crew members to eject moments before impact.
Witnesses described a thunderous explosion as the jets collided near the end of their synchronized maneuver, sending debris raining toward the tarmac. The air show, a two-day event drawing thousands of spectators, was immediately halted. Emergency crews swarmed the crash site as jet fuel pooled on the runway, creating a hazardous scene.
Key Points
- ✅ Two EA-18G Growlers collided mid-flight during a demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies air show in Idaho
- ⚡ All four crew members ejected safely and were treated for minor injuries
- 💡 The incident occurred on the second and final day of the air show, halting the event
Air show organizers confirmed the jets were part of the US Navy’s “Gunslingers” demonstration squadron, known for high-energy maneuvers. The EA-18G Growler, a specialized electronic warfare aircraft, is designed for suppression of enemy air defenses. Investigators from the US Navy’s Joint Strike Fighter and Air Superiority programs have launched a probe into the crash.
| Aspect | EA-18G Growler | F/A-18 Super Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Electronic warfare | Multirole fighter |
| Crew | 1 pilot, 1 electronic warfare officer | 1 pilot |
| Notable Feature | Radar jamming pods | Air-to-air refueling capability |
Defense officials emphasized that the jets were not armed with live munitions at the time of the collision. The aircraft involved were part of a practice run for the air show’s finale, which included a simulated dogfight routine. Video footage from spectators captured the final moments before the collision, showing the jets banking too closely before the impact.
💡 Pro Tip
Avoid simultaneous high-G maneuvers in close proximity unless pre-coordinated by air traffic control to minimize collision risks.
Mountain Home Air Force Base, home to the 366th Fighter Wing, is a critical training and operational hub for the US Air Force. The base’s proximity to the air show venue made it the primary launch and recovery point for the participating aircraft. Local authorities reported no damage to civilian infrastructure, but the runway sustained significant damage, delaying emergency response efforts.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2 jets — EA-18G Growlers from the US Navy’s Gunslingers squadron
- 4 crew — All ejected safely and transported to nearby medical facilities
- 2 days — Gunfighter Skies air show duration before cancellation
Pilots who witnessed the incident described it as a “high-speed convergence gone wrong,” with one retired fighter pilot calling it “a textbook example of what not to do in a formation pass.” The US Navy has not commented on whether pilot error or mechanical failure contributed to the collision. The investigation is expected to take weeks, with a preliminary report due within 30 days.
The crash marks the second high-profile aviation incident involving military jets at a public event this year, following a near-miss at an Australian air show in March. Aviation safety advocates have renewed calls for stricter oversight of military demonstration flights, particularly in crowded airspace. For now, the Gunfighter Skies air show remains indefinitely suspended, leaving spectators and participants grappling with the aftermath of a dramatic and avoidable tragedy.