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Two US Navy fighter jets collided mid-air and crashed in front of frightened spectators at an air show in Idaho on Sunday, but all four crew members were able to safely eject.
The incident occurred around 1pm during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base — about 80km southeast of the capital Boise — during a performance involving two E/A-18G “Vikings” Growler demo team aircraft, KTVB reported.
Dramatic footage showed the two jets colliding in mid-air before parachutes were deployed and the aircraft tumbled to the ground, creating a large explosion and plume of smoke.
An announcer told the crowd a short time later that all four pilots were “found safe”, according to The Idaho Statesman.
“We had four good parachutes,” the announcer reportedly said. “The crews were able to eject. They’re located one mile south of where the smoke is. The parachutes came down.”
A follow-up announcement added, “Crash fire rescue and various other emergency services are on their way to the pilots and crew. There were four good parachutes. That is always a positive in our world. If you are so inclined to take the time now to say a prayer.”
The air show was cancelled for the rest of the day and an investigation is now underway, the Mountain Home Police Department said.
Attendees were told not to leave the base while emergency crews battled a brush fire sparked by the crash.
The Mountain Home Gunfighters confirmed the base was on lockdown in a statement on social media.
“An aircraft incident has occurred at Mountain Home Air Force base during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show two miles northwest of the base,” the statement said.
“Emergency responders are on the scene, an investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available.”
It was the first time the Gunfighter Skies air show had been held in eight years, after a hang glider pilot died in an accident at the 2018 event, according to The Idaho Statesman.
In 2003, a Thunderbird crashed but the pilot was able to eject safely.
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