Two Jets Crash at Mountain Home Air Force Base Event
A midair collision between two military jets at an Idaho air show sent emergency responders scrambling Sunday after the aircraft struck each other before spiraling into the ground. All four aircrew members survived and are reported to be in stable condition, according to officials at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
The collision occurred during the base’s Gunfighter Skies Air Show, an event designed to showcase military aviation capabilities to the public. Bystander footage circulating on social media captured the moment the two jets made contact in midair, then twisted and fell before hitting the ground in a burst of fire and debris.
Four parachutes were observed descending above the crash site. An announcer at the event told spectators that the four Navy pilots aboard the aircraft had been located and were safe. The base later confirmed in an official statement that “the aircrew involved in the incident are in stable condition.”
Base Locked Down, Show Canceled
Mountain Home Air Force Base, located roughly an hour southeast of Boise, went into lockdown following the incident, with the base designating it an “aircraft incident” as investigators began their work. The remainder of the two-day air show was canceled.
Authorities urged the public not to travel to the installation. “Please DO NOT travel to or attempt to access Mountain Home Air Force Base as a spectator, as the event will no longer be taking place,” the Mountain Home Police Department stated in an online notice.
The base announced that an investigation into the collision is underway. No further details about the cause of the midair contact have been released.
History of Incidents at the Base
The Gunfighter Skies show featured a variety of aircraft, including a restored World War II-era bomber, Black Hawk helicopters, and modern military jets. The 366th Fighter Wing — known as the “Gunfighters” — calls Mountain Home home and operates the installation.
Col. D. Ray Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, had previously described the show as an opportunity to connect the public with military personnel. “This event attaches a face to the mission, showcasing the skilled professionals and dedicated Airmen who make airpower possible,” Gunter said in remarks ahead of the event.
Sunday’s collision is not the first serious incident at the base during a public air show. A hang glider pilot died following a crash during a 2018 show at the installation. In 2003, an Air Force pilot safely ejected from an F-16 just before it crashed during a performance at the same location.
What’s Next
Military investigators are expected to examine wreckage and review footage as part of the ongoing inquiry into what caused the two jets to collide. Officials have not indicated a timeline for releasing findings. The incident is drawing renewed attention to military readiness and operational risk as the U.S. armed forces manage complex training and public engagement schedules. The condition of the four aircrew members will continue to be monitored as the investigation proceeds, with Idaho officials likely to follow developments closely.