Why It Matters
A collision between two military aircraft Sunday put Mountain Home Air Force Base on lockdown and sent emergency personnel into action, raising immediate public safety concerns for the thousands of spectators and residents near the southern Idaho installation.
What Happened
Two EA-18G Growler aircraft collided in mid-air Sunday, May 17, during the second day of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base. The incident occurred approximately two miles from the base.
All airmen aboard the aircraft ejected successfully and parachuted to the ground. No major injuries have been reported. Base officials confirmed the lockdown via social media shortly after the collision, and Mountain Home Police Department announced that the remainder of the air show was canceled.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area and refrain from traveling toward the base while emergency personnel respond.
By the Numbers
- 2 EA-18G Growler aircraft involved in the collision
- ~2 miles from the base where the collision occurred
- 0 major injuries reported — all crew members ejected safely
- 8 years since the Gunfighter Skies Air Show last took place, prior to this weekend’s event
- 2 prior incidents at past Mountain Home air shows — a hang glider fatality in 2018 and a Thunderbirds jet crash in 2003, from which the pilot also safely ejected
A Show With a Complex History
This weekend marked the long-awaited return of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show after an eight-year absence. The event had been suspended following a 2018 tragedy in which a veteran hang glider pilot was killed after crashing onto the runway during the show.
The base had also seen a high-profile incident during its 2003 air show, when a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration jet went down. The pilot in that case ejected before impact and was not seriously injured.
Sunday’s mid-air collision adds to that history, though the outcome — all pilots confirmed safe — offers some relief to the Idaho military community and the region’s aviation enthusiasts who had gathered for the event’s return.
Zoom Out
Mountain Home Air Force Base is home to the 366th Fighter Wing and serves as one of the U.S. military’s premier composite wing installations, regularly operating advanced tactical aircraft including the EA-18G Growler. The base is a significant economic and strategic asset for south-central Idaho.
Idaho’s strong relationship with its military installations extends beyond Mountain Home. Efforts to advance defense-related technology in the state have been growing — including an INL partnership aimed at advancing drone innovation for national security — reflecting the state’s expanding role in America’s defense landscape.
What’s Next
Authorities have not yet released information regarding the cause of the collision or the specific status of the aircraft and crew beyond confirming safe ejections. An official investigation into the incident is expected, as is standard following any military aviation accident.
The lockdown at Mountain Home Air Force Base remained in effect as of the initial reports, with police requesting that the public stay clear of the surrounding area. Further details are expected to be released as the situation develops and investigators assess the scene.
This is a developing story. Additional information from base commanders and military officials is anticipated in the hours and days ahead.
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