US jets collide midair during demonstration flight
Ms Umayam said the two jets, carrying four air crew, struck each other "while performing an aerial demonstration" as part of the show. She said all four crew members were able to eject safely.
A dramatic collision between two military jets during an Idaho air show ended without loss of life after all four crew members ejected safely outside Mountain Home Air Force Base, according to the US Navy.
The aircraft, two E/A-18G Growler jets, collided mid-air about 3km from the base during the two-day Gunfighter Skies Air Show, Commander Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, US Pacific Fleet, said.
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Ms Umayam said the two jets, carrying four air crew, struck each other “while performing an aerial demonstration” as part of the show. She said all four crew members were able to eject safely.
“The incident is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available,” Ms Umayam said.
Ms Umayam said the jets involved were assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 129 based at Whidbey Island, Washington.
A stretch of State Highway 167, where the aircraft came down, will stay closed for several days as investigators examine the scene, according to the 366th Fighter Wing, which is based at Mountain Home.
The event was the first Gunfighter Skies Air Show to be held in eight years.
The last show, in 2018, was overshadowed by the death of a hang glider pilot in a crash.
The Mountain Home Fire Department, Mountain Home Police Department and Elmore County emergency management coordinator did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
