Boise, May 18: Two US fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base on Sunday, forcing the air base into lockdown and triggering a large-scale emergency response.

The crash occurred during the “Gunfighter Skies Air Show” in Idaho shortly after 12:30 pm local time, according to local media reports. Thick black smoke was seen rising near the crash site as emergency crews rushed to the area.

The aircraft involved in the accident were two EA-18G Growler fighter jets, which reportedly crashed around two miles outside the base.

All Four Crew Members Eject Safely
Videos circulating online showed the two aircraft colliding in the air before breaking apart. Moments later, four parachutes were seen descending toward the ground.

According to the Idaho Statesman, an announcer at the air show informed spectators that all four crew members had safely ejected from the aircraft.

The US Navy later confirmed that all four crew members survived after ejecting safely during the mid-air collision.

Footage of the mid air collision between a pair of Navy Super Hornets/Growlers during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base moments ago. pic.twitter.com/yQqPavmSWk

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 17, 2026

Investigation Launched
Officials at Mountain Home Air Force Base said emergency responders remained at the scene while investigators began examining the cause of the crash.

“Emergency responders are on the scene and investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available,” a spokesperson told Reuters.

Following the incident, authorities cancelled all remaining events scheduled for Sunday. Mountain Home Police also confirmed that the air base had been placed under lockdown after the crash.

Air Show Had Returned After Eight Years
The “Gunfighter Skies Air Show” had returned this weekend for the first time in eight years and attracted thousands of spectators who gathered to witness military aircraft displays and aerial demonstrations.

According to organisers, preparations for the event had been underway for nearly two years. Safety personnel and maintenance crews had also been deployed across the base throughout the weekend.

Also Read: Training Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing in Baramati, Pilot Safe

Previous Air Show Incidents At Mountain Home
The latest crash has revived concerns over earlier accidents linked to air shows at the base.

In 2018, a hang glider pilot died after crashing onto the runway during an event at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Earlier, during a 2003 air show at the same base, a United States Air Force Thunderbirds jet had also crashed, though the pilot survived after ejecting seconds before impact.