Midair Collisions at Mountain Home Air Force Base
An air show in Idaho at Mountain Home Air Force Base was halted abruptly after two fighter jets collided in midair on Sunday. Both aircraft crashed to the ground, leading to the cancellation of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show.
Details of the Incident
Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for the Naval Air Forces of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed that all four aircrew members ejected from the jets. The aviators are in stable condition, according to the base’s official statement.
The collision took place roughly two miles northwest of the base at 12:10 p.m. local time. The jets involved were Navy EA-18G aircraft from Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, based at Whidbey Island, Washington.
Footage shared on social media captures the aircraft colliding in the air, followed by both descending to the ground engulfed in flames and smoke. Four parachutes were visible deploying near the crash site, indicating the successful ejection of the crew.
Witness Accounts and Response
Hill Col. David R. Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, expressed his gratitude for the safety of everyone involved in the incident. He praised first responders for their efforts and thanked guests for their cooperation and support.
The airbase initiated a lockdown at 12:30 p.m. to manage emergency responses. Guests were temporarily held at the base to ensure the teams could operate unobstructed, with release permitted around 3 p.m.
A video from Instagram showed spectators in an aircraft hangar surrounded by planes with black smoke rising in the background. A witness who recorded the video described hearing someone say, ‘We are down,’ and then observed four parachutes descending followed by smoke.
Mountain Home police advised the public against traveling to the base following the incident, announcing the air show’s cancellation. The environment among attendees, largely consisting of military families, was noted as remainly calm and well-managed.
The incident is currently under investigation to determine the cause of the collision.