Four Crew Members Eject Safely After Navy Jets Crash in Idaho

All four crew members ejected safely after two U.S. Navy jets collided and crashed during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on May 17, 2026. The collision involved EA-18G Growlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 129 in Washington state.

The planes were performing aerial maneuvers when they crashed. All crew members survived and were in stable condition. No one on the base was injured, according to organizers.

The air show was immediately shut down after the crash, and the event was canceled for the day. Videos from spectators showed parachutes opening as the aircraft fell near the base south of Boise.

Aviation experts noted that it was unusual for both crews to survive a midair collision. The planes appeared to stay connected during their fall, which may have contributed to their survival. Experts suggested the crash might have been due to pilot error rather than mechanical failure.

The event was the first at the base since 2018, when a hang glider pilot died in a crash. Air shows in the U.S. have improved safety over the years, with fewer fatal incidents. The last fatal crash occurred in Dallas in 2022, where six people were killed.

Investigations into the Idaho crash are ongoing, led by the Navy. Crew members are expected to provide key details about what happened before the collision.