MOUNTAIN HOME, ID — Four aircrew members safely ejected Sunday after two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growlers collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base, according to military and local officials.
The collision happened around 12:10 p.m. during an aerial demonstration involving two aircraft assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 out of Whidbey Island, Washington.
Emergency crews from Mountain Home Air Force Base, Elmore County and the City of Mountain Home responded to the scene near Grand View Highway after the aircraft came down following the collision.
Officials said the incident sparked a brush fire that prompted limited evacuations in the area. Idaho State Police said State Highway 67 near the base was temporarily shut down for about three and a half hours to allow emergency responders access to the scene and assist with evacuations.
State Highway 167, also known as Grandview Highway, remains closed as investigators continue examining the crash site. The closure is between the Mountain Home Air Force Base Contractors Gate and Easy Street, according to Idaho State Police.
“All four of the air crew successfully ejected,” the 366th Fighter Wing said in a statement. Officials said the aircrew members were being evaluated by medical personnel, and no additional injuries had been reported as of Sunday evening.
“First and foremost, we are incredibly thankful that everyone involved in today’s incident is safe,” Col. David Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, said in a statement. “The extraordinary professionalism of our emergency response teams, including the city and county, allowed for quick response to the aircrew as well as securing the scene to ensure the safety of our guests, performers and community.”
Mountain Home Mayor Rich Sykes also praised the coordinated response from local, state and military agencies.
“Today’s incident showed the incredible coordination and professionalism of the people who serve and protect our community every day,” Sykes said. “We are grateful that all four aircrew members safely ejected and that no additional injuries have been reported.”
The Idaho State Police said troopers assisted with traffic control and evacuations alongside the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Home Police Department, Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Transportation Department.
The incident remains under investigation. Officials said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare aircraft in the F/A-18 family used by the U.S. Navy for airborne electronic attack missions.
