Four U.S. Navy aviators are safe Sunday after two F-18 fighter jets collided mid-air and crashed to the ground in front of thousands of spectators at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
The collision occurred roughly two miles northwest of the base. Each aircraft was carrying a pilot and an electronic warfare officer. Dramatic video shows the two jets flying in close formation before colliding, pitching upward in unison, stalling, and falling toward the ground in a fireball of black smoke. Less than five seconds after the initial impact, all four crew members ejected.
Take a look –
BREAKING: Two U.S. Navy jets collided mid-air and exploded during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base. pic.twitter.com/R66ADWM2TY
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) May 17, 2026
All four aviators landed safely and were transported for medical evaluation. Mountain Home Air Force Base confirmed all four were in stable condition.
Col. David R. Gunter, the wing commander, released a statement expressing his relief everyone survived unharmed.
“We are incredibly thankful that everyone involved in today’s incident is safe,” Gunter said. “I want to thank first responders for their work and our guests for their patience, trust and support.”
The U.S. Air Force has confirmed a formal investigation is underway