Crew Evacuate Mid-Air As Two U.S Navy-Fighter Jets Collide & Crash During Air Show At Idaho Base

Two U.S Navy fighter jets, EA-18 G Growler, collided mid-air and crashed on the ground, after which they exploded, close to Mountain Home Air Force Base in western Idaho.

The aircraft were part of the Electronic Attack Squadron 129, which is based in Whidbey Island, Washington.

The incident occurred during an aerial demonstration at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show on Sunday, the first such event in 8 years.

However, fortunately, all four pilots were able to eject before the crash and are reportedly doing well. Additionally, nobody on the base was injured, and a big disaster was averted.

The crash led to the immediate lockdown of the facility and cancellation of the rest of the show organised to celebrate aviation history and modern military aviation capabilities, with several performances scheduled.

The US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration squadron was the one many were looking forward to during the two-day event.

According to the videos shared on social media, two aircraft could be seen dangerously coming close to one another before making close contact leading to the two jets spinning together after colliding.

Shortly after this, four parachutes opened and crew members ejected from the aircraft, which crashed into an explosion followed by thick black smoke rising towards the skies.

A part of the State Highway 167, which is close to the crash site, would remain closed as investigators are examining the wreckage.

Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzzetti said that it is surprising that the pilots were able to eject from the aircraft, adding that the way the jets descended gave them enough time to do so.

He added that the collision appeared to have occurred due to the formation flying and not a technical issue with the Navy jets, stating that such dangerous demonstrations do not leave room for the slightest positioning error.

The U.S Navy is leading an investigation to confirm the reason for the incident, and since all pilots survived, they can offer firsthand accounts of what occurred before the crash, an official said.