A mid-air collision between two US Navy E/A-18G Growler jets sent four crew members to safety Sunday when they ejected just outside Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The crash happened during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, a two-day event featuring aerial demonstrations by military aircraft. Commander Amelia Umayam, a spokeswoman for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet, confirmed all four crew members exited their jets without injury as the planes came down roughly two miles from the base.

The two Growlers were performing an aerial demonstration when they struck each other in mid-air, Umayam said. Both aircraft were part of Strike Fighter Squadron 137, a unit based at Naval Air Station Lemoore in California. The squadron is known for flying the Growler, a specialized version of the F/A-18 Super Hornet designed for electronic warfare. The jets were likely demonstrating advanced maneuvers during the air show, which draws military aviation enthusiasts and families to the base each year.

Eyewitness accounts describe ‘loud bang’ before debris scattered

Security footage and eyewitness accounts from the air show described a loud explosion followed by debris falling from the sky as the two jets collided. Spectators near the flight line reported seeing one jet’s wing separate before it spiraled toward the ground. No one on the ground was injured, and the wreckage landed in a sparsely populated area outside the base perimeter. Local authorities and base emergency crews quickly secured the site and launched a recovery operation.

The Navy has launched an investigation into the cause of the collision, which typically examines factors like pilot error, mechanical failure, or procedural breakdowns. Such probes often take weeks or months to complete, with findings shared publicly once the review is finalized. The Gunfighter Skies Air Show organizers issued a brief statement expressing gratitude that no spectators or personnel were harmed and praising the quick response of emergency teams.

Growlers are critical to Navy’s electronic attack mission

The E/A-18G Growler is the Navy’s frontline aircraft for disrupting enemy radar and communications, often flying ahead of strike packages to jam defenses. The jet’s advanced systems allow it to carry out electronic warfare missions without relying on ground support. Squadron 137, which flies the Growlers, is one of the Navy’s most experienced electronic attack units, frequently deployed aboard aircraft carriers. The Growler’s role in modern naval operations makes incidents like this one particularly significant, as any disruption to its availability affects training and operational readiness.

Local officials confirmed that Mountain Home AFB remains open for normal operations, though the air show was canceled for the day. The base’s leadership extended thanks to first responders and the public for their cooperation during the response. The Navy has not yet released details on whether the pilots or crew members involved in the collision will face any temporary restrictions from flying. Investigators will also review whether any air show procedures contributed to the accident, including flight paths, timing, or communication protocols during the demonstration.

Military air shows have long been venues where the public gets a close look at the capabilities of modern warplanes, but they also carry risks when complex maneuvers go wrong. The Gunfighter Skies event is known for its high-energy performances, including formations and high-G turns that push both pilots and aircraft to their limits. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the inherent dangers of military aviation demonstrations and the importance of rigorous safety protocols.

For now, the focus remains on the investigation and ensuring the families of the crew members receive support. The Navy has a well-established system for handling such incidents, including counseling and medical evaluations for those involved. As the probe continues, the service will also review any lessons learned that could prevent similar accidents in the future, both during training and public events.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: SCMP
  • Published: May 17, 2026 at 21:32 UTC
  • Category: World
  • Topics: #scmp · #asia · #china · #world-news · #war · #military

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 17, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

Um espetáculo aéreo que prometia adrenalina terminou em susto quando dois jatos de combate EA-18G Growler, da Marinha dos Estados Unidos, colidiram no ar durante uma apresentação no Gunfighter Skies Air Show, em Idaho. Milagrosamente, os quatro tripulantes conseguiram ejetar-se antes da queda, saindo ilesos do incidente que chocou espectadores e levantou questionamentos sobre a segurança das manobras acrobáticas em shows aéreos.

A colisão entre os caças, que participavam de uma demonstração de alta performance, evidencia os riscos inerentes a esse tipo de evento, mesmo em operações rotineiras da Marinha americana. Para o Brasil, onde a Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB) também realiza demonstrações aéreas com caças como o F-5 e o A-29 Super Tucano, a ocorrência serve como um alerta sobre os protocolos de segurança e a necessidade de constante revisão das manobras em apresentações públicas. Especialistas brasileiros já debatem se acidentes como esse reforçam a importância de limites mais rígidos nas acrobacias ou se tratam-se de falhas pontuais em um meio de alto risco, mas essencial para o treinamento e a dissuasão.

O incidente deve levar as autoridades militares dos EUA a investigarem as causas da colisão e a reavaliarem as normas de segurança para futuros shows aéreos.

🇪🇸 Resumen en Español

Un espectáculo aéreo se convirtió en tragedia evitable cuando dos cazas EA-18G Growler de la Armada estadounidense colisionaron en pleno vuelo durante una exhibición en Idaho, aunque sus cuatro tripulantes lograron eyectarse sin sufrir daño alguno. El incidente, que conmocionó a los miles de espectadores congregados en el Gunfighter Skies Air Show, pone en entredicho los protocolos de seguridad en este tipo de eventos, donde la precisión y la coordinación son vitales.

Las causas del choque, aún bajo investigación, podrían revelar fallos humanos o técnicos en una maniobra que, según expertos, exige un margen de error mínimo. Más allá del susto, el accidente subraya la presión a la que se someten los pilotos militares en demostraciones aéreas, donde cualquier distracción puede tener consecuencias irreparables. Para el público hispanohablante, el episodio sirve como recordatorio de los riesgos inherentes a la aviación de exhibición, un espectáculo que, pese a su fascinación, no está exento de peligros.