Watch: Four pilots eject seconds before two $67 million US Navy jets plunge into flames during Idaho Air show

All four crew members are in stable condition after ejecting moments before two military jets collided mid-air during an air show celebrating America’s 250th birthday in Idaho, according to officials. The collision happened on Sunday, May 17 during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show, held near Mountain Home, roughly 45 miles outside Boise.

“The aircrew involved in the incident are in stable condition,” Mountain Air Force Base Gunfighters said in an updated statement posted on facebook. “Thank you to all our guests for your patience and compassion, which has allowed us to quickly and safely respond to the incident,” the statement said.

Dramatic videos shared online captured the crucial seconds when parachutes opened in the sky just before the aircraft crashed near Mountain Home Air Force Base.



As per the BBC, the aircraft involved were two US Navy EA-18G (of F/A-18 variant) jets that collided during the performance before plunging into flames toward the runway. Footage from the scene showed a massive plume of smoke rising after the crash, while spectators could be heard reacting in shock. The US Navy says each jet is worth around $67 million.

Mountain Home Air Force Base, home to the US Air Force’s 366th Fighter Wing, confirmed the incident shortly after the crash.

“An aircraft incident has occurred at Mountain Home Air Force Base during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show two miles northwest of the base. Emergency responders are on the scene, an investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available,” the base said in a social media statement.

The installation was later placed under lockdown as emergency crews responded. Kim Sykes, marketing director with Silver Wings of Idaho, which helped organize the event, told the Associated Press that all four crew members successfully ejected and deployed parachutes before impact.

The Gunfighter Skies air show had last been held in 2018, when a glider pilot died in a separate accident during the event.