The Gunfighter Skies Air Show At Mountain Home Air Force Base Was Cancelled Immediately. The Base Locked Down, Emergency Responders Rushed In And The Investigation Has Begun
According to ABC News, two US Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided in midair during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, on Sunday May 17, at 12:10pm local time. The base is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Boise.
All four aircrew members successfully ejected and are in stable condition, according to Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet. The two jets were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron VAQ-129 from Whidbey Island, Washington.
Witness Shane Ogden captured video of the moment the two aircraft made contact in the air, spinning in tandem before the crew ejected and their parachutes opened. The planes then fell together, exploding into a fireball on impact. An announcer at the show told the crowd the four Navy pilots had been found safe.
Col. David R. Gunter, Wing Commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, said: “First and foremost, we are incredibly thankful that everyone involved in today’s incident is safe.” The remainder of the two-day air show was cancelled, the base lockdown has since been lifted and an investigation is underway.
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