Published：May 17, 16:00Last updated：May 19, 06:36
US Navy Growlers Collide During Air Show Performances in Idaho
May. 17, 2026 16:00
Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers collided during an airshow at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, on May 17, with all four crew members ejecting safely. The incident, captured on video, showed one plane striking another from behind before both crashed. Experts suggested pilot error during formation flying as the likely cause, given good weather conditions. The airshow was canceled, and the $134 million loss underscores the risks of high-precision aerial demonstrations.
Summarized
33News
19Media
May. 18, 2026 19:08
Two Navy jets collided midair during an air show in Idaho on Monday, May 18, 2026. All four crew members ejected safely, but the planes crashed into a field and exploded.
May. 19, 2026 06:36
The U.S. Navy lost two EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft in a mid-air collision during an airshow in Idaho. All four pilots ejected safely.
Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers collided during an airshow at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho on May 17-18, 2026, with all four crew members ejecting safely. The incident, captured on video, showed one plane striking another from behind during formation flying, resulting in $134 million in losses. While initial reports suggested pilot error, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of this rare mid-air collision during the 'Gunfighter Skies' demonstration. China.org+2
✈️ Aircraft and Incident Details
The EA-18G Growlers involved were electronic warfare variants from Electronic Attack Squadron 129. Footage revealed the collision occurred during a coordinated maneuver in clear weather conditions, with both aircraft crashing into a field and exploding. The Navy confirmed no mechanical failures were immediately apparent. China.org+2
🚨 Emergency Response and Aftermath
- All crew members ejected successfully with parachutes
- One pilot sustained non-life-threatening injuries
- Mountain Home AFB implemented temporary lockdown measures
- The airshow was canceled following the incident
- Social media circulated dramatic footage of the collision China.org+2
🔍 Ongoing Investigations
Separate investigations are examining:
- Potential pilot error during formation flying
- Standard operating procedures for aerial demonstrations
- Safety protocols for future airshow performances
- No ground casualties were reported despite the public nature of the event Der Spiegel+2
🏟️ Airshow Industry Impact
The collision has prompted:
- Reviews of demonstration team safety standards
- Discussions about risks of high-precision aerial displays
- Cancellation of remaining 'Gunfighter Skies' events
- Increased scrutiny on Navy flight demonstration procedures China.org+2
Navy pilotsEA-18G GrowlerGunfighter Skies air showMountain Home Air Force BaseThunderbirds demonstration squadron
topic.regionalNarratives
China
Coverage emphasizes the technical details of the aircraft collision and the safe ejection of crew members.
Germany
Reporting highlights the collision of two US Navy jets during an air show in Idaho.
United Kingdom
Coverage focuses on the midair collision of two Navy jets during an air show in Idaho and the safe ejection of crew members.
Canada
Reporting emphasizes the midair collision of two Navy jets during an air show in Idaho and the safe ejection of crew members.
Russia
Coverage centers on the loss of two US Navy electronic warfare aircraft in a mid-air collision during an airshow.
South Korea
Reporting emphasizes the safe ejection of crew members and the ongoing investigation into the collision.
France
Reporting highlights the safe ejection of crew members and the investigation into the cause of the collision.
Australia
Coverage focuses on the availability of video evidence and the risks associated with aerial demonstrations.
Russia
Reporting emphasizes the technical details of the aircraft involved and the circumstances of the collision.
Canada
Coverage focuses on the immediate aftermath of the incident, including the lockdown at the Air Force base.
United States
Discussion centers on the involvement of the Thunderbirds demonstration squadron and the location of the incident.
Germany
Outlets frame the event around the uncertainty regarding pilot survival and the lack of immediate details.
United Kingdom
Reporting emphasizes the dramatic nature of the crash and the safe ejection of all pilots.
Australia
Coverage focuses on the availability of video evidence and the lack of immediate details on casualties.
topic.topCountries (9/9)
1.Russia7
2.Australia7
3.United Kingdom6
4.Canada4
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The Independent3
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The Age3
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The Sydney Morning Herald3
5.China.org3
6.Toronto Star2
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BBC News2
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RIA Novosti2
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Der Spiegel1
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France 241
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