Video: Two US Navy Growlers collide during Mountain Home air show
Abdullateef Fowewe
Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler jets from the Vikings Demonstration Team collided mid-air during a performance at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base.
The two electronic-attack aircraft crashed about two miles from spectator areas and burst into flames on impact, producing a large plume of black smoke and sparking a brief wildfire.
All four crew members aboard the two jets used their zero-zero ejection seats and parachutes and were recovered in stable condition with minor injuries, authorities confirmed.
No ground injuries were reported.
Both the U.S. Navy and the Air Force have opened a joint investigation to determine the cause of the mid-air collision.
Officials said the demonstration crews were undergoing routine safety checks and that preliminary reports indicate the aircrew ejected before the aircraft struck the ground.
Emergency personnel contained the small wildfire near the crash site, and Mountain Home base officials temporarily paused air show activities as a safety precaution.
The Navy and Air Force did not immediately release the names of the aircrew pending notification of next of kin and further medical evaluation.
The mishap comes as military demonstration teams continue to perform at public events across the country; investigators said they will review flight data, maintenance records, and witness accounts to establish a timeline and contributing factors.
