Two EA-18G Growler fighter jets from the United States Navy collided in mid-air on Sunday during the Gunfighter Skies air show, held at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, with no serious injuries reported among the four crew members.
The incident occurred around 12:10 p.m., approximately two miles northwest of the base, according to the public affairs office of the 366th Fighter Wing.
The two aircraft belonged to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 "Vikings," based in Whidbey Island, Washington, and were conducting a demonstration in front of thousands of spectators when the collision occurred, reported the Idaho Statesman.
Four parachutes deployed in the sky after the collision, a signal that the show's announcer took as an opportunity to maintain calm among the audience: "The crews were able to eject. There were four good parachutes. That is always a positive thing in our world. If you feel inclined to take a moment to say a prayer, please do so."
The aircraft crashed on the Grand View Highway, also known as Idaho 167, prompting an immediate closure of the road and igniting a brush fire in the area.
"The four crew members successfully ejected and are being evaluated by medical personnel," reported the public affairs office of the 366th Fighter Wing in a statement issued at 3:18 p.m.
Shortly after six in the evening, the base confirmed on social media that all personnel involved were in "stable condition."
The Air St. Luke's medical service, which took part in the emergency response, specified that "the reported injuries were not fatal."
The colonel David Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, expressed gratitude for the response teams: "First and foremost, we are incredibly thankful that everyone involved in today's incident is safe. The extraordinary professionalism of our emergency response teams, including those from the city and county, enabled a swift response for the crew."
An analysis published on social media suggested that the rear airplane may have descended onto the one in front, possibly after losing sight of it in a blind spot.
The attendees were instructed not to leave the base while the emergency teams controlled the fire and assisted the pilots.
The organization canceled the rest of the performance around 2:30 p.m.
The Gunfighter Skies event was held for the first time in eight years. The previous edition, in 2018, was marked by the death of a hang glider pilot in an accident. In 2003, a Thunderbird jet also crashed during an airshow at the same base, though its pilot was able to eject.
Similar accidents have occurred at other air shows in the United States, such as the collision of a B-17 and a P-63 at the Wings Over Dallas show in November 2022, or the crash of a plane prior to the Stuart Air Show in Florida in November 2019.
The Grand View Highway will remain closed between South Simco Road and Airbase Road for "several days" while authorities investigate the causes of the accident, according to an official statement from the base.
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