Staff Reports
Two U.S. Navy EA‑18G Growler jets collided in midair during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base this weekend. Video from spectators shows the terrifying moment the two aircraft struck each other, then tumbled to the ground. The important new fact: all four crew members ejected safely and were recovered by first responders, and a formal military investigation is now under way.
What happened at the Gunfighter Skies air show
Eyewitness video and official statements make the picture clear. Two EA‑18G Growlers from VAQ‑129, the Navy’s Growler demo team, were performing when they collided and crashed outside the base perimeter. Base public affairs and the Navy confirmed the crews ejected and were being evaluated by medical personnel. The base went into lockdown, crews fought a brush fire started by the wreckage, and show operations were halted while emergency teams secured the scene.
Pilots ejected safely — that’s the silver lining
Let’s give credit where it’s due: four parachutes opened and four aviators walked away from a scene that could have been far worse. Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a Naval Air Forces spokesperson, and the 366th Fighter Wing public affairs office both confirmed the ejections and the rescue response. Spectators reported seeing the parachutes, and first responders moved quickly. In an age when critics love to second‑guess the military from the cheap seats, this was a reminder that training and equipment can and do save lives.
Why the EA‑18G Growler and VAQ‑129 matter
The EA‑18G Growler is the Navy’s electronic‑attack jet, the sibling of the Super Hornet, and VAQ‑129 is the squadron that fields the Growler demo team. Air show demos are supposed to show off skill and deterrence — and sometimes they go sideways. Mid‑air collisions are rare, but when they happen the damage is dramatic and the fallout is serious. The Navy’s investigation will need to examine flight data, communications, maintenance records and procedures to find out whether this was human error, mechanical failure, or some combination.
Investigation and accountability: what to watch next
Officials have opened a formal mishap investigation under normal military procedures. Expect updates from Naval Air Forces, the Naval Safety Center, and Mountain Home’s public affairs office as wreckage is recovered and data is reviewed. The public deserves a clear account — not just a rote press release. If mistakes in training, planning, or safety oversight show up, someone should answer for them. For now, be thankful four sailors are alive and hope the report gives straightforward lessons to keep air shows from becoming headlines for the wrong reasons.
