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[Herald Economy = Reporter Choi Won-hyuk] Two fighter jets collided in midair during an air show in Idaho, and all four pilots ejected and survived, officials said.
On May 17 (local time), the AP reported the incident occurred during the Gunfighter Skies air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in western Idaho.
Two EA-18G Growlers from the U.S. Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 129 were performing aerial maneuvers when they struck each other.
Witnesses said the jets were flying very close, then suddenly produced flames and began descending while emitting smoke.
All four pilots ejected safely. Bystander video captured four parachutes deploying moments after the aircraft went down.
Aviation safety expert Jeff Guzetti described the footage as “remarkable,” saying the aircraft appeared to collide in an unusual way, almost as if they became entangled. He told reporters he suspected pilot error was more likely than a mechanical failure.
Investigators have not yet determined the exact cause. The AP noted that because the aircrew survived, authorities should be able to gather firsthand accounts from before and after the collision and move quickly to establish what happened.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet Naval Air Forces confirmed the incident, saying everyone ejected safely and that a formal investigation is under way.
Mountain Home Air Force Base was closed immediately after the crash, and the remainder of the air show was canceled.
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