Washington: A major disaster was narrowly avoided in Idaho after two US Navy fighter aircraft collided during an aerial demonstration, forcing all four crew members to eject moments before both jets plunged to the ground.
The incident unfolded during a scheduled training performance at an air show when the two EA-18G Growler jets made contact in mid-flight, causing both aircraft to lose stability and crash within seconds.
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Eyewitnesses at the venue reported hearing a powerful impact as the jets struck each other, followed by flames and smoke as the aircraft descended rapidly. Panic briefly spread across the crowd before relief swept through spectators after four parachutes were seen deploying successfully.
Emergency personnel from Mountain Home Air Force Base, along with local rescue teams, reached the crash sites within minutes.
Military officials later confirmed that all four aviators were safely recovered and transported for medical evaluation. Authorities said the crew members suffered minor injuries and are currently in stable condition.
A spokesperson for Naval Air Forces Pacific stated that the pilots and weapons systems officers aboard the two aircraft executed emergency ejection procedures successfully.
The wreckage landed in a designated safety zone well away from public viewing areas, ensuring there were no civilian injuries or damage to nearby facilities.
The EA-18G Growler is one of the US Navy’s most advanced electronic warfare aircraft, designed to disrupt enemy radar systems and communication networks. Each jet carries two personnel — a pilot and an electronic warfare officer.
Following the crash, the remainder of the air show schedule was cancelled as federal investigators and Navy safety teams secured the area.
A formal investigation has been launched to determine what caused the mid-air collision. Officials are expected to review flight data recordings, maintenance records and pilot communications as part of the inquiry.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks involved in high-speed military aerial demonstrations, even under controlled training conditions.
