US Navy Pilots Eject Safely After Fighter Jets Collide at Idaho Air Show, June 07

Four US Navy pilots ejected to safety after two Boeing EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided mid-air on June 6 during the Gunfighter Skies exhibition at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. All four pilots parachuted to a nearby field with non-life-threatening injuries. The collision destroyed two $67 million aircraft and forced base officials to lock down the facility and close a nearby highway for days.

What Happened During the Collision

Two Boeing EA-18G Growlers collided while maneuvering during the Gunfighter Skies aerial demonstration. Video footage shows both jets falling from the sky before four parachutes deployed. The wreckage landed on Idaho 167, also called Grand View Highway, two miles from the base. Officials closed the highway for multiple days while emergency crews recovered the debris.

All Pilots Survived the Impact

The four Navy pilots, based in Washington state, were found in a field near the crash site. Col. David Gunter, commander of the 366th Fighter Wing, confirmed that everyone involved remained safe. Only one pilot required hospitalization. All injuries were non-life-threatening. The pilots’ rapid ejection and functioning parachutes prevented fatalities.

History of Accidents at Gunfighter Skies

The air show had not been held for eight years after a fatal 2018 accident. Licensed commercial aviator Dan Buchanan, who had 3,000 flight hours and 36 years of air show experience, died after a botched landing during that event. The event returned in May 2026 after the long hiatus. The latest collision marks another serious incident at the venue.

Why Ejection Systems Matter

Modern fighter jets like the EA-18G Growler carry advanced ejection seats that save pilots in catastrophic situations. The system allowed all four pilots to escape a mid-air collision that destroyed two aircraft worth $134 million combined. Ejection seats remain one of aviation’s most reliable safety features for military pilots in emergency scenarios.

Final Thoughts

All four pilots survived a mid-air collision between two $67 million jets thanks to functioning ejection systems. The incident highlights both the risks of high-speed aerial maneuvers and the effectiveness of modern pilot safety equipment in preventing fatalities.

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