A spectacular accident occurred Sunday during the Gunfighter Skies air show, held at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Two U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler aircraft collided mid-air during an aerial demonstration before crashing near the base.
The two aircraft belonged to Electronic Attack Squadron 129, associated with the Growler demonstration team nicknamed the Vikings. These aircraft specialize in electronic warfare, particularly jamming and neutralizing enemy radar systems.
A collision in front of the public
The accident occurred around 12:10 PM local time, as several thousand spectators were watching the return of the air show, held for the first time in eight years. During a training exercise, the two aircraft touched before losing control and plummeting to the ground. Videos released after the accident show several parachutes opening in the sky. All four crew members ejected before impact. The U.S. Navy reported that they survived and were in stable condition.
A crash a few kilometers from the base
The planes crashed about two miles (just over three kilometers) from Mountain Home Air Force Base. The impact caused a ground fire and prompted an immediate response from emergency services, including rescue teams and helicopters. The air show was subsequently canceled. A section of State Highway 167, located near the crash site, was expected to remain closed for several days during the safety and investigation operations.
