In a dramatic and shocking incident that occurred during the "Gunfighters" airshow at Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho, two US Navy EA-18G Growler fighter jets collided mid-air on May 17, 2020. All four crew members successfully ejected and, according to initial reports, escaped serious injury. Following the collision, the base was immediately placed under quarantine, and the airshow was canceled.

The incident unfolded before a crowd of thousands, with many capturing the dramatic moment on their mobile phones. Footage shows the two aircraft flying in close formation before the collision. One of the aircraft began to spin and lose altitude, and soon after, four parachutes opened in the sky. The ejection seats landed several kilometers away from the base and exploded, creating a thick black smoke visible from a distance.

The crew belonged to the 129th Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ-1-129) based at Whidbey Island in Washington State. According to initial reports, all pilots were taken for a medical check-up after landing. Rescue teams quickly arrived on the scene, and there were no injuries on the ground.

The US Navy and Air Force have launched a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. The focus will be on the circumstances of the flight, altitude, distance between the aircraft, and crew communication at the time of the collision. The airshow, which had resumed after an eight-year hiatus, featured the famous Thunderbirds.

While the incident could have had tragic consequences, the quick reaction of the crew and modern ejection systems saved the lives of the pilots. This event raises questions about the safety of public military demonstrations and close-formation flying in front of large crowds. Airshows attract spectators with spectacular and precise maneuvers, but each incident serves as a reminder that there are significant risks and minimal room for error behind these attractive displays.