Four US Navy crew members safely ejected after two fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show in the United States, officials said, prompting the cancellation of the remaining performances and an investigation into the incident.
The aircraft, EA-18G Growlers from a US Navy electronic attack squadron based in Washington state, collided on Sunday during a demonstration at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, according to US military officials.
The crew deployed parachutes shortly after the impact and were reported to be in stable condition. No injuries were reported on the ground.
The incident occurred during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, which was being held at the base for the first time since 2018. The event was immediately halted following the crash, and the base was placed under lockdown as emergency services responded.
Video footage shared on social media showed the two jets flying in close formation before appearing to make contact and descending rapidly toward the ground. Four parachutes were later seen descending as the crew ejected.
A spokesperson for US Pacific Fleet’s Naval Air Forces confirmed that all four aircrew members survived and were taken for medical evaluation.
Aviation experts said such mid-air collisions are rare during demonstrations but can occur in tightly choreographed formation flying, which leaves limited margin for error.
The incident has drawn renewed attention to safety protocols at military air shows, which remain popular public events but involve complex aerial manoeuvres by high-performance aircraft.
Investigators are now examining the circumstances that led to the collision, including flight coordination and formation procedures. Officials are expected to release further findings once the review is complete.
The accident comes as military air shows across United States continue to operate under strict safety oversight, with most events reporting improved safety records in recent years despite the inherent risks of aerial demonstrations.
