The Mountain Home Air Force Base went into lockdown Sunday afternoon following a dramatic midair collision between two military jets during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show. Emergency responders rushed to the scene as the aircraft crashed to the ground, though all four aircrew members involved are reported to be in stable condition.
Bystander video posted to Facebook captured the harrowing moments as the two jets made contact in the air, then twisted and careened across the sky before hitting the ground and erupting in a plume of dirt and fire. Four parachutes could be seen floating above the crash site as the crew evacuated their aircraft.
According to the Idaho Statesman newspaper, an announcer at the air show informed the crowd that the four Navy pilots were "found safe." The base later confirmed that "the aircrew involved in the incident are in stable condition."
Following the incident, base officials announced the immediate cancellation of the remainder of the two-day event. "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 announced online. "We understand many were looking forward to this event and appreciate your understanding and cooperation."
The base confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision. The facility, located approximately one hour southeast of Boise, Idaho, serves as home to the Air Force's 366th Fighter Wing, known as the "Gunfighters."
The Gunfighter Skies Air Show featured performances involving a restored World War II-era bomber, Black Hawk helicopters, and modern military aircraft. When announcing the show earlier this year, Col. D. Ray Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, stated, "This event attaches a face to the mission, showcasing the skilled professionals and dedicated Airmen who make airpower possible."
This marks the second fatal or near-fatal incident at a Mountain Home Air Force Base air show in recent years. When the base last hosted an air show in 2018, hang glider pilot Dan Buchanan died following a crash. During a 2003 air show performance at the base, an Air Force pilot safely ejected just before his F-16 crashed.
