EA-18G Growlers Collide in Mid-Air at Idaho Airshow | 4 Safe

Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers Collide During Gunfighter Skies Air Show

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft collided mid-air during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on May 17, 2026, in a dramatic incident that saw all four crew members eject safely. The collision occurred at approximately 12:10 p.m. MDT while the jets performed an aerial demonstration before thousands of spectators. Video footage captured by eyewitnesses shows the two Growlers becoming entangled after the collision, tumbling out of control before all four aviators ejected via parachute seconds before the aircraft crashed and exploded, sending a massive plume of black smoke over the base.

Background: The EA-18G Growler and the Demo Team

The Boeing EA-18G Growler is the US Navy's premier carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized variant of the F/A-18F Super Hornet. It replaced the EA-6B Prowler and entered service in 2009. Each Growler carries a pilot and an electronic warfare officer (EWO), and it is equipped with advanced jamming systems like the ALQ-99. The aircraft involved were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, the Fleet Replacement Squadron known as the 'Vikings,' based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. The Growler Demo Team safety record had been exemplary prior to this incident.

The Navy established the Growler Demo Team in 2020 to showcase the capabilities of the EA-18G at air shows across the United States. The team consists of active-duty naval aviators who also serve as instructors for VAQ-129, training pilots and EWOs for deployment, including personnel from allied nations such as Australia and the United Kingdom. Sunday's performance was the team's first public appearance of the 2026 season.

The Collision: What Happened

According to witnesses and video evidence, the two Growlers were executing a demonstration maneuver when they made contact. The aircraft, identified as EA-18G 168895 'NJ-502' and EA-18G 168252 'NJ-540', appeared to lock together mid-air before stalling. Photographer Shane Ogden, who captured the sequence, described the moment as 'surreal.' Within seconds of the collision, four ejection seats fired, and parachutes deployed. The jets then cartwheeled toward the ground, crashing in a remote area of the base and erupting in flames.

Emergency responders reached the crew members within minutes. All four aviators were transported to the base medical facility for evaluation and were reported in stable condition. Navy spokesperson Cmdr. Amelia Umayam confirmed that 'all four crew members are safe and receiving medical attention.' The air show was immediately canceled, and the base was locked down as investigators began their work. The US Navy air show accident investigation will likely focus on flight data and cockpit recordings.

Eyewitness Accounts and Emergency Response

Spectators described shock and concern as the collision unfolded. 'We heard a loud bang, looked up, and saw the jets tangled together,' said attendee Mark Rivera. 'Then we saw the parachutes pop open, and everyone started cheering that the pilots got out.' Fire crews and medical teams rushed to the scene, and thick black smoke could be seen for miles. The base's emergency response plan was activated, and the surrounding area was secured. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Navy have launched a joint investigation into the cause of the collision. Military aviation crash protocols are being followed to determine if mechanical failure or pilot error played a role.

Impact and Implications

The incident raises questions about safety protocols at military air shows, particularly regarding formation flying and high-risk maneuvers. The EA-18G Growler is a critical asset for the US Navy, providing electronic attack capabilities that protect strike aircraft and ground forces. The loss of two aircraft, each valued at approximately $70 million, represents a significant financial and operational setback. However, the survival of all four crew members is being hailed as a testament to the effectiveness of modern ejection seat technology and training.

The Navy has grounded the Growler Demo Team pending the investigation. Similar incidents in the past, such as the 2022 Dallas air show crash involving a B-17 bomber and a P-63 Kingcobra, have led to heightened scrutiny of air show safety. The US military air show crash history shows that while rare, mid-air collisions remain a risk during complex demonstrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft were involved in the Idaho airshow crash?

Two US Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, a variant of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, collided during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Were there any fatalities in the Growler collision?

No. All four crew members (two pilots and two electronic warfare officers) ejected safely and were reported in stable condition.

Where did the EA-18G Growler crash happen?

The crash occurred at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Elmore County, Idaho, during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show on May 17, 2026.

What squadron did the Growlers belong to?

The aircraft were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, the 'Vikings,' based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

Is the Growler Demo Team grounded after the crash?

Yes, the Navy has temporarily grounded the Growler Demo Team pending a full investigation by the US Navy and the FAA.

Sources

Information for this article was sourced from USNI News, The Aviationist, Task & Purpose, Fox News, and ABC News. For further details, refer to the The Aviationist report and Task & Purpose coverage.