Two US Navy fighter jets collided in mid-air during a performance at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in southern Idaho, prompting an immediate military investigation.
The collision occurred at low altitude during a formation flying demonstration. Both pilots ejected successfully before impact โ an outcome military officials described as fortunate given the low altitude involved. One pilot was treated and released with minor injuries; the other sustained a broken arm during ejection and is in stable condition.
Mountain Home Air Force Base was immediately locked down. No civilians were reported injured. The air show was cancelled for the remainder of the weekend.
The safety of our airmen and the public is paramount. We are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this accident.
The Naval Safety Center and Air Force Safety Center have launched parallel investigations. Air show incidents of this kind are rare but not unprecedented โ the last major US military air show collision occurred in 2014.