COLLISION at Idaho Base Triggers Emergency — Air Show Shut Down

Liberty Check

• Two Navy EA-18G Growler jets collided mid-flight over southern Idaho, forcing crew ejections and immediate base closure
• Mountain Home Air Force Base airshow abruptly canceled following the military aviation accident during training operations
• All crew members survived the collision and are receiving medical evaluation as investigation begins

A midair collision involving two U.S. Navy fighter jets over southern Idaho forced emergency ejections and triggered an immediate shutdown of Mountain Home Air Force Base operations Tuesday.

Two EA-18G Growler aircraft collided during routine training operations, according to military officials. The electronic warfare jets, based out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington, were participating in exercises when the incident occurred.

BREAKING: Two U.S. Navy jets collided mid-air and exploded during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base. pic.twitter.com/R66ADWM2TY

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 17, 2026

All crew members successfully ejected from both aircraft and survived the collision. Military personnel are currently undergoing medical evaluation, though the extent of any injuries has not been disclosed.

The Mountain Home Air Force Base air show, scheduled for this weekend, has been officially canceled in the aftermath of the accident. Base officials cited safety concerns and the ongoing investigation as reasons for the cancellation.

The EA-18G Growler is a specialized variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet designed for electronic warfare missions. These aircraft typically carry a crew of two and are valued at approximately $67 million each.

Naval Air Forces confirmed the incident in a statement:

“Two EA-18G Growlers assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 were involved in a mishap during a training flight in the vicinity of Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. All crew members ejected safely and are receiving medical attention.”

The collision marks the latest in a series of military aviation incidents that have raised concerns about training safety protocols. The cause of the collision remains under investigation by Navy officials.

Mountain Home Air Force Base, located approximately 40 miles southeast of Boise, regularly hosts visiting military aircraft for training exercises. The facility is home to the 366th Fighter Wing and serves as a key training location for various military aviation operations.

Navy officials have not released additional details about the circumstances leading to the collision or the condition of the ejected crew members. A formal investigation will examine flight data, maintenance records, and operational procedures to determine what caused the two aircraft to collide.

The cancellation of the air show affects thousands of spectators who planned to attend the weekend event. Base officials stated that public safety and the integrity of the ongoing investigation take precedence over the scheduled demonstration.

Americans deserve better.